Devotional Invites Listeners to Examine and Enjoy One of History's Greatest Spiritual Poets
George Herbert, one of the greatest spiritual poets of all time, influenced many of Christianity's most cherished writers including Richard Baxter, Charles Spurgeon, T. S. Eliot, and C. S. Lewis. His works, rich with vivid language, theological insight, and pastoral guidance, expand the listener's capacity to experience and delight in Christ.
In this devotional volume, Stephen Witmer presents 40 of George Herbert's most impactful poems, favored for their brevity, accessibility, and relevance to contemporary Christians. With explanations of unfamiliar terms and concepts and brief devotional reflections, Witmer helps listeners gain a deeper understanding of each poem and its application. This beautiful volume shepherds listeners toward spiritual growth, inviting them not only to engage with Herbert's poetry but also to encounter the God who inspired it.
Beloved One of the most popular devotional poets of the 17th century and of all time, George Herbert's work is a lasting treasure for believers Featuring approachable poems with helpful explanations, this devotional is made accessible for anyone wanting to reflect deeper on the beauty of Christ Brief Explains unfamiliar words and concepts, and application sections suggest ways the poems can shape and deepen listeners' spiritual lives Useful for Thoughtfully crafted to encourage reflection and personal meditation
George Herbert (1593-1633) was a Welsh-born English poet and orator. Herbert's poetry is associated with the writings of the metaphysical poets, and he is recognized as "a pivotal figure: enormously popular, deeply and broadly influential, and arguably the most skillful and important British devotional lyricist."
Born into an artistic and wealthy family, Herbert received a good education that led to his admission in 1609 as a student at Trinity College, Cambridge, Herbert excelled in languages, rhetoric and music. He went to university with the intention of becoming a priest, but when eventually he became the University's Public Orator he attracted the attention of King James I and may well have seen himself as a future Secretary of State. In 1624 and briefly in 1625 he served in Parliament. Never a healthy man, he died of consumption at the early age of 39.
This was excellent, devotional, and upward-looking. I enjoyed both the poems and the explanations from the author. My only wish is that this delightful book might have been longer. Vol. 2, Crossway? Here are some of my favorite lines from the poems: • “And with his burial-linen dry thine eyes” from The Dawning • “My joys to weep, and now my griefs to sing” from Joseph’s Coat • “Such a Truth, as ends all strife” from The Call • “My heart was in my knee” from Denial • “O full-ey’d love! / When thou shalt look us out of pain” from The Glance • “Then shall the fall further the flight in me” from Easter-wings • “All may of thee partake / Nothing can be so mean, / Which with his tincture (for thy sake) / Will not grow bright and clean” from The Elixir
These poems brought joy to my heart and increased my delight in the beauty of Christ. Witmer invites the reader to savor and be shepherded by George Herbert’s vivid and theologically rich poetry through a careful selection of his poems, thoughtful explanations accompanying each one, and uplifting devotional readings to encourage practical application of the truths they contain.
Note: A printed copy/ebook will add more value to your reading experience as many of the poems are just as visually rich as they are valuable for the words they are comprised of.