Pilgrim Prayers: Devotional Poems That Awaken Your Heart to the Goodness, Greatness, and Glory of God

by Tim Challies

Tim Challies—author of Seasons of Sorrow— invites you into a treasure trove of devotional poetry from our spiritual forebearers.

This curated collection of 50 poems, which Challies has found over years of combing through volumes of poetry new and old, will offer you new language to express both joy and sorrow, praise and lament in any season of life.

Throughout Pilgrim Prayers, you'll discover the poetic riches expressed through devotional prayers that celebrate the acts of God and marvel at his ways. This collection is designed for daily devotions and mediations and can be used for addressing specific topics in church gatherings or on special occasions.

Each entry has an introduction reflecting on the prayer by Challies, helpful explanations of any difficult phrases or words, related Scriptures for study, and a question for application and reflection.

These prayers, devotional gems of past generations, will bless a new generation of Christians as they seek to grow in love and obedience to the Lord.

Bible verses for reflection can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Poetry, Christian, Devotional, Prayer, Nonfiction, Christianity

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2024

About the author

Tim Challies is a leading evangelical blogger. A self-employed web designer, Tim lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Amy Hesterman]

Before sharing my thoughts on this book, I must preface by saying I dislike poetry. I’ve just never enjoyed it or truly appreciated it. So it was with some hesitation that I picked up this book…yet having followed and read much by Tim Challies, I knew it would be of quality. Not your typical daily devotional, it focuses on a compilation of 50 Christian poems from mainly the 1800s meant to be used as prayers. In addition to the poems, Tim writes an introduction for each and then adds his short observations to further unpack the poem’s meaning, along with corresponding scripture references. WithIn the words of each poem, you cannot help but feel a connection and kinship with the authors who have undoubtedly felt similar emotions in following Christ, just 150-175 years before. In other words, what plagues our hearts or what we rejoice in doesn’t necessarily change over the centuries. And in a way, these pages of poems prompt you to long for heaven even more, reminding that this earth is not our home.

[Danette]

Beautiful

A perfect addition to your devotional time.

2024 A book of poetry

[John Boyne]

Great introductory book on poetry for Christians who either wish to read poetry as a form of devotional or for simple study. My only wish is that he included longer poems as all of them were very short. I left many of the poems wanting more.

[Rachael Marsceau]

Very simplistic. The AABB or ABAB pattern of the poems felt shallow, so I guess I expected such depth as is found in other prayer books such as The Valley of Vision. Also, it is presumed the reader has absolutely no prior knowledge of poetry, so the explanations were almost funny. I will say that the application questions were the best I've seen in almost any devotional book. Very probing and convicting.

[Kintanah]

I think that this is one of the books that I would like to have on my shelf.
The way the author arranged the poems was pleasant and I particularly appreciated the discovery of ancient poetry and hymns. 🤗

[Tiffani]

Started this at the beginning of the year… slowly and intentionally used this as a first thing in the morning or evening written prayer. Tim is in my top current writers and this approach to studying both poetry and prayer through old hymn lyrics is both fascinating and encouraging.

[Shawn]

Solid gems in this devotional.

[Deon]

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[Elizabeth]

“Sovereign Ruler of the skies,
Ever gracious, ever wise;
All my times are in Thy hand,
All events at Thy command.

His decree who formed the earth
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, native place, and time,
All appointed were by Him.

He that formed me in the womb,
He shall guide me to the tomb:
All my times shall ever be
Ordered by His wise decree.

Times of sickness; times of health;
Times of penury and wealth;
Times of trial and of grief;
Times of triumph and relief;

Times the tempter’s power to prove;
Times to taste the Saviour’s love;
All must come, and last, and end,
As shall please my heavenly Friend.

Plague and deaths around me fly;
Till He bids, I cannot die.
Not a single shaft can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit.

O Thou Gracious, Wise and Just,
In Thy hands my life I trust:
Have I somewhat dearer still?
I resign it to Thy will.

May I always own Thy hand
Still to the surrender stand;
Know that Thou art God alone,
I and mine are all Thine own.

Thee, at all times, will I bless;
Having Thee, I all possess;
How can I bereavèd be,
Since I cannot part with Thee?”

—John Ryland, “God’s Decrees”

[Ray Fowler]

This is a wonderful collection of poems and prayers that will strengthen and encourage your heart as you reflect on the truths expressed and pray these poems to the Lord as your own prayers from your own heart. I enjoy poetry and am always trying to grow in prayer, so I especially enjoyed this book.

Tim has done a great job curating the collection, as well as providing devotional thoughts and introductions to each poem that will help you gain even more from each of these poem/prayers. This will go on my shelf next to The Valley of Vision, Leland Ryken's The Soul in Paraphrase: A Treasury of Classic Devotional Poems and Robert Elmer's Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church.

[Cristin]

First off, I appreciate how the author teaches you how to read and appreciate poetry. While I have long appreciated poetry and poetic things, it was a fresh perspective and reminder that set the tone of the book. The devotionals for each poem are short but spiritually dense and sets up each poem well. The poems themselves are beautiful and well-selected. I also appreciate the wide variety of topics that are covered. I also appreciate how the other doesn’t point to the same scripture reference twice, especially when he could have. All in all, a beautiful and worthwhile book.

[Rachel]

Final “finished” read of 2025.
I read this devo over many months, but it was consistently encouraging and insightful. Reading prayers and poems of other saints who have come before proved to be a rich and rewarding experience. Highly recommend!

[Meaghan Recollet]

This book was so encouraging and gave voice to prayers I didn't know I needed to pray. So wonderful as a devotional reading.

[Anna Fox]

Beautiful poems and thoughtful devotions to help give a voice to the cries of my heart and to help me start each day awakened to the goodness, greatness, and glory of God.

[Nancy Kendall]

(Hoopla 3h)

[Susan Highfill]

This has been such a great add to my morning devotionals! Would highly recommend (and do) to others.