Tag: Devotional poetry

The One Year Book of Poetry: A Year of Christian Verse

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The One Year Book of Poetry: 365 Devotional Readings Based on Classic Christian Verse, Compiled and Written by Philip Comfort and Daniel Partner

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good repute, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

I’m not what I would call an avid poetry-lover, but with my education in literature, I do appreciate and enjoy it, and I have some favorite poets. This book was recommended by a friend, and I liked the idea of reading about the things of God written in verse form. This volume provides exactly what the sub-title states: a short poetry reading accompanied by some devotional commentary for each day of the year. The writers often include some background about the poet and some interpretive help (particularly for those older works which use more archaic language). They then draw a connection between the ideas and emotions expressed in the poem to the related ideas or doctrinal teachings found in Scripture, and end with a word of application to the reader and a relevant scripture passage.

Continue reading “The One Year Book of Poetry: A Year of Christian Verse” →

Crucifixion and Resurrection

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From The Valley of Vision

Empty TombO LORD,
I marvel that thou shouldst become incarnate,
+be crucified, dead, and buried.
The sepulchre calls forth my adoring wonder,
+for it is empty and thou art risen;
+the four-fold gospel attests it,
+the living witnesses prove it,
+my heart’s experience knows it.
Give me to die with thee that I may rise to new life,
+for I wish to be as dead and buried
+to sin, to selfishness, to the world;
+that I might not hear the voice of the charmer,
+and might be delivered from his lusts.
O Lord, there is much ill about me — crucify it,
+much flesh within me — mortify it.
Purge me from selfishness,
+the fear of man, the love of approbation,
+the shame of being thought old-fashioned,
+the desire to be cultivated or modern.
Let me reckon my old life dead
+because of crucifixion,
+and never feed it as a living thing.
Grant me to stand with my dying Saviour,
+to be content to be rejected,
+to be willing to take up unpopular truths,
+and to hold fast despised teachings until death.
Help me to be resolute and Christ-contained.
Never let me wander from the path of obedience to thy will.
Strengthen me for the battles ahead.
Give me courage for all the trials,
+and grace for all the joys.
Help me to be a holy, happy person,
+free from every wrong desire,
+from everything contrary to thy mind.
Grant me more and more of the resurrection life:
+may it rule me,
+may I walk in its power,
+and be strengthened through its influence.

The Valley of Vision is published by Banner of Truth.

May you know the blessed truth and experience the reality of Christ’s resurrection this Easter and throughout the year!

Fresh Views of God from Voices of the Past: The Valley of Vision

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ValleyofVision-BookcoverThe Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions by Arthur Bennett

“The soul learns to pray by praying; for prayer is communion with a transcendent and immanent God who on the ground of his nature and attributes calls forth all the powers of the redeemed soul in acts of total adoration and dedication.”


The Valley of Vision is a collection of prayers, 195 in all, compiled by Arthur Bennett from various men from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, including John Bunyan, Thomas Watson, David Brainerd, Isaac Watts, Augustus Toplady, Philip Doddridge, and Charles Spurgeon, as well as others. These short, devotional, poetic prayers are a wonderful way to start and/or end each day. They would serve well for private, personal devotions and meditation, or for family worship. Continue reading “Fresh Views of God from Voices of the Past: The Valley of Vision” →

An Anglican Minister Bares His Soul: George Herbert

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“A picture of the many spiritual conflicts that have passed between God and my soul before I could subject my will to Jesus, my Master.” – George Herbert

I discovered the poetry of George Herbert in a university British literature class,  and it was a delightful discovery. George Herbert (1593-1633) was an Anglican clergyman who wrote metaphysical poetry – poems that address the mind and stimulate the imagination.  Herbert’s poems, often written in first person, focus on his devotion to and relationship with God and are very personal and reflective in nature. It is as if Herbert is baring his soul, revealing his spiritual thoughts and emotions, even struggles, about God and his relationship with Him. Continue reading “An Anglican Minister Bares His Soul: George Herbert” →