This paper discusses the religious lyric poetry by the Slavonian writer Antun Kanižlić (1699–1777). Firstly, the cultural and historical context of the 18th century Slavonia is presented, with an emphasis on the importance that printed books and religious enlightenment had for the development of that region. The work of the Jesuits and Franciscans in Slavonia is described, as well as their significance in developing the literacy of the people through printing alphabet books (primers), teaching reading, writing, and truths of faith. The central part of the paper presents Kanižlić's catechisms and prayer books, and emphasizes their significance in the context of all of his works, followed by an analysis of the religious lyric poetry they contain. The analysis points at Kanižlić's lavish baroque style, themes, and common motifs present in the majority of prayer books – such as love, transience, sin, mercy, death, life, as well as their correlation. The conclusion at the end of the paper examines Kanižlić's importance for Slavonia in 18th century and his reliance on his predecessors.