Enthusiastically, Dawn

It seems appropriate to match the opportunity to review a book of poetry to the month of April, as we celebrate National Poetry Month. But to give attention to the collection I am sharing and the man behind in this review seems a worthy endeavor for me in my Christian journey for both my spiritual and writing life- which are intertwined.

Today I am reviewing a book titled: All Things Thee to See: A Devotional Guide to Selected Poems of George Herbert with Selections and Reflections by Stephen Witmer. Additionally, I want to include my own thoughts on how Christians could enrich their intimacy with Christ by reading and reflecting the writing of devotional poets such as George Herbert. I promise to not get preachy. Anymore. Said while smiling.

First of all a little about this poet – in case he is new to you. George Herbert is new to me, though I am sure there are many who have heard of him or who have read his poetry. I recently attended a Christian writers’ gathering, and heard his name mentioned. It’s like once you decide on the car you want, or a color you love. It starts popping up everywhere. So a bit about George Hebert, is that he lived during the 17th century (1593–1633). This was a tumultuous time in history at best. He was born into a well-to-do family in England and was well educated, had some political ambition initially but became disenchanted early on with that direction and came to focus and rest in his service to the church as priest/pastor. His life was a brief one, and he suffered poor health most of it. He died at forty years of age, but what he left for us is a rich heritage of poems that have been sung, studied and shared since his death by Tuberculosis in 1633. You can read about him in greater detail in the excellent introduction by author, Stephen Witmer.

The Book

This beautiful, bound book is the perfect accompaniment to a quiet time of reflective reading and includes forty of Herbert’s poems. As I researched the poet, I found myself more and more drawn in to the way his works have been used for worship, and also for schooling the believer into the real life workings of a faith-filled life.

The book’s format is perfect for students of scripture, literature, and especially those who find poetry difficult to read or understand. Each of the forty poems has alongside it, a teacher worthy to the task of helping to bring forth the sweet nectar of these poetic offerings. You have with each poem, a tutor to guide you into the fullness of what is being communicated.

Some of the poem titles included in this collection are: The Alter, Affliction, Joseph’s Coat, Matins, Prayer, Mortification, A True Hymn, and The Dawning. Each was written as a personal way of communicating, and talking with God or expressing aspects of faith and struggles in the spiritual life.

The Savoring the Poem section is the place where we are ushered into understanding the places that we might get stuck. Witmer excels in this and I found often after reading his bit of “tutoring” I would re-read the poem with more confidence. He doesn’t overreach here, but gives help in what seems to me is just enough. Each time I found myself thankful to be able to “savor the poem” as intended because I had just the right amount of help – as one walking alongside, discussing with me as I read without pushing. I’m sure this has been instrumental in my ability to appreciate the pure beauty and service of George Herbert’s offerings.

In addition to the brief but rich Savoring the Poem section, there is a Shepherded by the Poem portion. As a pastor himself Witmer guides the reader with reflective questions to bring them into the place of receiving the most out of the words as possible. He helps us see what we don’t want to miss. I find his approach here again, encouraging. He challenges us to not settle for the superficial but see fully the author’s intent, humor, and humanity. He wants us to get the most of the poetry set forth by Herbert.

As many of you know, I too write as a way of connecting, worshipping and spending time with the Lord. And poetry sometimes seem to drop into my consciousness from the heavens. Praying with my pen and writing devotional poetry are ways we can commune with God and build intimacy with the Lord- who is the Living Word. This is one of the reasons I also encourage others to do it.

One thing that was helpful for me in addition to the reading of the chosen poems here by Witmer, was hearing the poems read and sung aloud! An internet search allowed me to experience hearing the words read by those who have an appreciation for the Herbert’s poems. One was Malcolm Guite (I really enjoyed it).

This book features at the back three indexes for notes, persons (mentioned in the individual poems), and scripture references.

It is interesting to note that Herbert wrote the poems during his lifetime completely for his private devotional life. His poems were published posthumously. This is also a fascinating aspect of his short life! That so many of these private, intimate writings born in a devotion to God personally now are public in service to the church, and to many others.

This book would be a great gift for pastor appreciation anytime of the year. It also would be good for graduation, and for any other spiritual milestone. It is one to keep with your Bible and journal for enriching personal devotional time.

You can see and read the first chapter of this book at Crossway linked here: Check out the book!

I want to share a link for another historical background on George Herbert at the Poetry Foundation to learn more: George Herbert at PF.

Thank you to Crossway for sending me this book to review, and also to Stephen Witmer who has set me sailing on my journey with a wonderful new poetry teacher and guide in George Herbert.

Thank you also to my faithful readers for showing up and reading my words. As always I appreciate you for taking the time!

Enthusiastically, Dawn