Throughout church history, one encounters many shepherds who, like David, were also masters of verse. Consider Martin Luther, writing hymns to restore and invigorate congregational singing, and Isaac Watts, who versified the Psalms for corporate worship. Or John Donne, unflinchingly describing his love for God in terms of romantic passion, and George MacDonald, who used poetry to prepare for death. Think, too, of modern examples: Malcolm Guite writes traditional sonnets for contemporary readers, and Paul David Tripp leads readers to encounter providence through free verse.
George Herbert is another such pastor-poet—one I’ve been particularly eager to study more closely. I was thrilled when, last month, Crossway released a collection of his poems: In All Things Thee to See: A Devotional Guide to Selected Poems by George Herbert.
In All Things Thee to See is compiled by pastor and author Stephen Witmer. He describes his personal affection for Herbert as both a pastor and poet and, indeed, a pastor through poetry. Herbert’s poems are distinctly pastoral, guiding readers into a deeper relationship with the Lord.
This collection includes forty selected poems, with notes on key terms and brief reflections on their devices, structures, and themes. Without over-explaining, Witmer does an excellent job of helping readers engage each poem with literary and spiritual awareness.
I am savoring In All Things Thee to See throughout Lent. Although not intended as a Lenten resource, it fits perfectly with the forty days of this season. This manner of reading also ensures that I do not rush through Herbert’s rich language and insight.
Whether you are already a lover of poetry or are looking for an entry point into devotional verse, I highly recommend this beautiful little book. I especially recommend it to those in ministry who are looking for encouragement. In my experience, pastors and ministry leaders often stock their libraries primarily with prose. Systematic theologies and concordances line my husband’s office. Our basement library is largely populated by Christian living resources, and our upstairs shelves are loaded with volumes on church health.
But ministerial wisdom can be gleaned just as richly from poetry. Indeed, I have found that when ministry feels overwhelming, the nourishment I need most is not found in more “how-to” books, but in works of profound creativity and beauty. If we are to persevere in faith and ministry, we must feed our hearts as well as our minds—something great pastor-poets such as George Herbert knew well.
If In All Things Thee to See sounds interesting to you, consider supporting my blog by purchasing a copy using this affiliate Amazon link. You can also order In All Things Thee to See directly from Crossway.
Note: I received a copy of In All Things Thee to See from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
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Ryanne Molinari 