Book Review: The Christian Book of Mystical Verse

My early church experience was quite conservative and traditional, which included singing hymns, reciting the Apostles' Creed,  and singing the Doxology at the end of every Sunday church service. Looking back, I am so thankful for this part of my faith walk, which I now see as very rich and grounding. It gave me an anchor that I still hold onto, even though  I consider myself nondenominational now (read: I don't really fit in any box!) It seems the older I get, however,  the more I value liturgy and prayers written by others. Although they can easily become 'just words', they also can be very meaningful, encouraging, and inspiring.

Which is why  The Christian Book of Mystical Verse  piqued my interest. It's a collection of Poems, Hymns, and Prayers for devotional reading, compiled by A.W. Tozer, author of several classic devotionals This book has a very attractive cover, as well, which initially drew me to it.

First published in 1963, this was book written for the purpose of private devotion. What exactly does Tozer mean by 'mystic'? He refers to the "evangelical mystic who has been brought by the gospel into intimate fellowship with the Godhead. His theology is no less and no more than is taught in the Christian scriptures. He walks the high road of truth where walked of old prophets and apostles, and where down the centuries walked martyrs, reformers, Puritans, evangelists, and missionaries of the cross... He is quietly, deeply, and sometimes almost ecstatically aware of the Presence of God in his own nature and in the world around him".

The hymns and poems, (most of which I am unfamiliar with)  "... cover almost the full spectrum of religious feeling... The mood runs from near despair to near ecstacy.." I think we can all relate to varied emotions and struggles in our faith walk, as do these writers.

Some of the authors contained in this collection include: Isaac Watts, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Christina Rossetti, Charles Wesley, William Faber, Jeanne Marie de la Motte-Guyon, and Bernard of Clairvaux.

For those who value old hymns and poets from the past, this will be a welcome addition to your library. You will be sure to find a few treasures in this book.

Thanks to Moody Publishers for this free book in exchange for an honest review.