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In All Things Thee to See: A Devotional Guide to Selected Poems of George Herbert
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, 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
152 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
23 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
George Herbert
511 books141 followersGeorge 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 11, 2026
Love, love, love!!! Herberts poetry is beautiful and Witmer's commentary was super helpful in deepening my understanding and he fulfills the goals of helping the reader savor and be shepherded by these poems.
March 13, 2026
I'm not a big poetry reader, but I do find George Herbert's poems intriguing and even a few of them particularly stirring. What makes this book so helpful is the accompanying reflections that Witmer provides, that unlock some of the deeper layers to these poems. Really appreciated his insights.
March 17, 2026
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This beautifully bound poetry collection shares selected works by George Herbert, along with short explanations and spiritual reflections from Stephen Witmer, the compiler. This book's introduction provides some background on the life of George Herbert, a British pastor and poet who lived from 1593 to 1633, and the introduction also explains how to best read these poems and enjoy their spiritual truths. Witmer explains that Herbert wrote with the heart of a pastor, and that he wanted his writing to point people to God.
The poems in this book are sometimes very difficult for a modern reader to understand, due to the archaic language and imaginative figures of speech, which require a close eye for interpretation. I have read some of Herbert's poems before, but often felt that their deeper meanings escaped me. I really enjoyed this book, because I was able to enjoy and understand the poems with Witmer's assistance. He includes footnotes to define archaic words, and he explains what each poem represents, both with its poetic meaning and with ways that subtleties like formatting choices can express part of the message. I also found the devotional paragraphs encouraging.
In All Things Thee to See is a gift to people like me who appreciate Herbert in theory, but who need lots of help to understand him. I really enjoyed this book and got a lot out of it, and plan to return to it in the future. This book will delight many fans of Christian poetry, and it is also accessible enough for readers who struggle with poetry, but who want to grow in their appreciation for it.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This beautifully bound poetry collection shares selected works by George Herbert, along with short explanations and spiritual reflections from Stephen Witmer, the compiler. This book's introduction provides some background on the life of George Herbert, a British pastor and poet who lived from 1593 to 1633, and the introduction also explains how to best read these poems and enjoy their spiritual truths. Witmer explains that Herbert wrote with the heart of a pastor, and that he wanted his writing to point people to God.
The poems in this book are sometimes very difficult for a modern reader to understand, due to the archaic language and imaginative figures of speech, which require a close eye for interpretation. I have read some of Herbert's poems before, but often felt that their deeper meanings escaped me. I really enjoyed this book, because I was able to enjoy and understand the poems with Witmer's assistance. He includes footnotes to define archaic words, and he explains what each poem represents, both with its poetic meaning and with ways that subtleties like formatting choices can express part of the message. I also found the devotional paragraphs encouraging.
In All Things Thee to See is a gift to people like me who appreciate Herbert in theory, but who need lots of help to understand him. I really enjoyed this book and got a lot out of it, and plan to return to it in the future. This book will delight many fans of Christian poetry, and it is also accessible enough for readers who struggle with poetry, but who want to grow in their appreciation for it.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 20, 2026
In All Things Thee to See is a delightful devotional guide to selected poems of George Herbert, with selections and reflections by Stephen Witmer. By patiently guiding readers through Herbert’s rich imagery, wordplay, and theology, Witmer helps modern Christians rediscover the devotional power of Herbert’s poetry -- beautiful words with deep truth.
Witmer is an excellent guide, able both to explain the beauty of the poems and to apply them wisely. He says that we should read Herbert for pleasure, welcome him as our pastor, and experience him as a poet. It truly is a transformative book. In each of the forty poems, Witmer helps you savor the poem (to understand it) and then be shepherded by it (to apply it).
Savor and Shepherd
I was inspired by the savoring sections, which allowed me to see Herbert’s genius and the way he weaves various themes in his poems through wordplay and double meanings. I was also encouraged by the shepherding sections, where Witmer lets the truths of the poems ring and resonate, asking questions that prompt you to examine your own heart.
This book will benefit those in ministry, those looking for something fresh in their devotional life, and anyone who appreciates beautiful words and the craft of writing. As I write my own prayer poems to share after my sermons, I found this book to be a blessing. In a world that needs eyes and hearts opened to God, Herbert’s poems help readers freshly encounter God and find new joy in Christ.
I received a media copy of In All Things Thee to See and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
Witmer is an excellent guide, able both to explain the beauty of the poems and to apply them wisely. He says that we should read Herbert for pleasure, welcome him as our pastor, and experience him as a poet. It truly is a transformative book. In each of the forty poems, Witmer helps you savor the poem (to understand it) and then be shepherded by it (to apply it).
Savor and Shepherd
I was inspired by the savoring sections, which allowed me to see Herbert’s genius and the way he weaves various themes in his poems through wordplay and double meanings. I was also encouraged by the shepherding sections, where Witmer lets the truths of the poems ring and resonate, asking questions that prompt you to examine your own heart.
This book will benefit those in ministry, those looking for something fresh in their devotional life, and anyone who appreciates beautiful words and the craft of writing. As I write my own prayer poems to share after my sermons, I found this book to be a blessing. In a world that needs eyes and hearts opened to God, Herbert’s poems help readers freshly encounter God and find new joy in Christ.
I received a media copy of In All Things Thee to See and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
February 4, 2026
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
• “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
March 17, 2026
George Herbert's poetry has the quiet, contemplative nature that works so well in a devotional setting. Some are deeply convicting; some are terribly sad. All of them encourage our eyes to see our Creator in those ordinary moments where we are most likely to miss him. While the selections here vary between the familiar & the more erudite, Stephen Whitmer's brief commentary after each poem lifts your gaze to meditate on the truths presented in each one. His explanations are helpful for clearing up allusions that our modern minds might miss. This beautifully-bound volume is perfect for gift-giving & is accessible to even the most reluctant poetry reader.
February 24, 2026
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.
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.
March 17, 2026
As a longtime fan of George Herbert‘s poetry, I found this to be a very engaging work. At the beginning, author Stephen Witmer orients us to Herbert‘s world and writings—unknown until just before his death! He also gives a primer on how to engage thoughtfully with the genre of poetry. His comments are helpful and directive, without squashing further meditation. This is an excellent entry point for anyone who wants to spend time with one of the greatest spiritual poets.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read as an eARC. Delightful poetry, loved the concept of this book.
Not giving full review due to significant formatting issues with the eARC copy.
Looking forward to seeing the published copy!
Not giving full review due to significant formatting issues with the eARC copy.
Looking forward to seeing the published copy!
March 13, 2026
Witmer is a trustworthy guide to discovering the riches of George Herbert.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews