The Christian Book of Mystical Verse: A Collection of Poems, Hymns, and Prayers for Devotional Reading

by A.W. Tozer

A. W. Tozer's handpicked collection of poems, songs, and meditations from throughout Christian history

While the term "mystic" may have connotations that reach beyond traditional Christian thinking, it actually refers to a common spiritual experience that unites anyone who has fellowship with God.

The poems in this book were hand-picked by Tozer and follow a logical pattern, going in line with the very nature of salvation itself and the death of Jesus on the cross, man's contemplation of his own sin, redemption, communion with God, awaiting the return of Christ, and celebrations of eternal fellowship with God in Heaven.

Both intimate and exhilarating, The Christian Book of Mystical Verse is a book for anyone who seeks to worship God the Father, and who finds the rich language of Christians of old a great help in that endeavor.

Genres: Poetry, Christian, Devotional, Christianity, Prayer, Spirituality, Faith

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

About the author

Aiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").

Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.

A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: The purpose of this book is to bring together in one convenient volume some of the best devotional verse the English language affords, and thus to make available to present-day Christians a rich spiritual heritage, which the greater number of them for various reasons to not now enjoy.

The word mystic might throw some readers off--give the wrong impression--the introduction clarifies exactly what is meant by the word mystic.

The word “mystic” as it occurs in the title of this book refers to that personal spiritual experience common to the saints of Bible times and well known to multitudes of persons in the post-biblical era. I refer 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 differs from the ordinary orthodox Christian only because he experiences his faith down in the depths of his sentient being while the other does not. His religious experience is something elemental, as old as time and the creation. It is immediate acquaintance with God by union with the Eternal Son. It is to know that which passes knowledge.

So what makes a poem or hymn mystical?!

The hymns and poems found here are mystical in that they are God-oriented; they begin with God, embrace the worshipping soul and return to God again.

The only healthy emotions are those aroused by great ideas, and even these must be restrained and purified by the Spirit of God or they will spend themselves in weak and sterile rhymes.

This devotional collection is arranged by topic or theme. The sections are: "Adoration of the Godhead," "Devotional Meditations on the Cross of Christ," "Penitential Reflections on Our Sins," "Rejoicing in Forgiveness and Justification," "Yearning for Purity of Heart," "Aspirations After God," "Delighting in God's Presence," "The Raptures of Divine Love," "The Rest of Faith," "The Spiritual Warfare," "Victory Through Praise," "The Prayer of Quiet," "The Bliss of Communion," "Joyous Anticipation of Christ's Return," and "Immortality and the World To Come."

Contributors include: Isaac Watts, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sir John Bowring, Fredrick William Faber, Walter Shelly, Henry Hart Milman, Charles Wesley, Jacques Bridaine, Bernard of Clairvaux, John S.B. Monsell, Christina Rossetti, John Wesley, Johann Andreas Rothe, Nicolaus Ludwig Von Zinzendorf, Nahum Tate, Nicholas Brady, Jeanne Marie de la Motte-Guyon, Gerhard Tersteegen, Oliver Holden, Paul Gerhardt, Mary Bowley Peters, George C. Neumark, William Cowper, Jean Sophia Pigott, Anna Laetitia Waring, Thomas Blacklock, Martin Rinckart, Michael Angelo, Thomas Moore, John Newton, Thomas Hastings, T.P, Johann Scheffler, Horatius Bonar, Reginald Heber, Philipp Nicolai, John Cennick, Henry Ware, Christian F. Gellert, Lord Plunket, Pierre Abelard, Anne R Cousin, and Bernard of Cluny. Some contribute just one or two pieces. Others contribute DOZENS.

I began reading this one with a good deal of skepticism. I'm not a fan of the word mystical or mystic. But I am a fan of A.W. Tozer. These poems--hymns--were selected by Tozer and among his favorites. I am not naturally drawn to poetry--and while I love music--I usually need to HEAR music to love a lyric.

I can't say that I had a reaction to every poem. That would be a lie. But I did find myself loving a handful of poems. As in LOVING. I wasn't expecting that. I wasn't expecting these words to speak to me--to speak of me.

From "Lord of All Being, Throned Afar" by Oliver Wendell Holmes

Grant us thy truth to make us free,
and kindling hearts that burn for thee,
till all thy living altars claim
one holy light, one heavenly flame.

This flame/fire/burning theme is NOT new to modern worship music.

From "The Thought of God" by Frederick W. Faber

The thought of Thee, above, below,
Around me and within,
Is more to me than health and wealth,
Or love of kith and kin. (second stanza)
To think of Thee is almost prayer,
And is outspoken praise;
And pain can even passive thoughts
To actual worship raise. (tenth stanza)
O Lord! I live always in pain,
My life's sad undersong,
Pain in itself not hard to bear,
But hard to bear so long. (eleventh stanza)
Little sometimes weighs more than much,
When it has no relief;
A joyless life is worse to bear
Than one of active grief. (twelfth stanza)
All murmurs lie inside Thy Will
Which are to Thee addressed;
To suffer for Thee is our work,
To think of Thee our rest. (fourteenth stanza)

This one resonated with me. I'm not sure I love the 'joyless life is worse to bear than one of active grief' bit. BUT all the rest I've shared...I've lived.

From "The Fear of God" by Frederick W. Faber

A special joy is in all love
For objects we revere;
Thus joy in God will always be
Proportioned to our fear. (fourth stanza)
They love Thee little, if at all,
Who do not fear Thee much;
If love is Thine attraction, Lord!
Fear is Thy very touch. (twelfth stanza)

I think the fear of God is a lost doctrine that desperately needs to be rediscovered by the modern church.

"God Is Present Everywhere" by Oliver Holden

They who seek the throne of grace,
Find that throne in every place;
If we live a life of prayer,
God is present everywhere.
In our sickness or our health,
In our want or in our wealth,
If we look to God in prayer,
God is present everywhere.
When our earthly comforts fail,
When the foes of life prevail,
'Tis the time for earnest prayer;
God is present everywhere.
Then, my soul, in every strait
To thy Father come and wait;
He will answer every prayer;
God is present everywhere.

From "All Must Be Well" by Mary Bowley Peters

Through the love of God our Savior, all will be well
Free and changeless is his favour, all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well. (first stanza)
We expect a bright tomorrow, all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow, 'All, all is well.'
On our Father's love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
in our living, in our dying,
all must be well. (third stanza)

From "Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting" by Jean Sophia Pigott

Jesus! I am resting, resting
in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of thy loving heart.
Thou has bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For, by Thy transforming power,
Thou has made me whole. (stanza one)
Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of prime,
And have made it mine. (stanza two)

From "Bless, O My Soul! The Living God by Isaac Watts

Bless, O my soul, the living God,
Call home my thoughts that roam abroad;
let every power within me join
in work and worship so divine.
Lord God, how wondrous are your ways!
How firm your truth, how large your grace!
You take great mercy at your throne,
and thus you make your glories known. (first stanza)
Lord, your eternal love is sure
for all your saints, and will endure!
Let not this wonder that is wrought
be lost in silence and forgot!
Let all the earth behold your face;
let all adore and know your grace;
the noblest with the humble join
in work and worship all divine. (third stanza)

God's Eternal Now by Gerhard Tersteegen

Now stillness 'midst the ever-changing,
Lord, my rest art Thou;
So for me has dawned the morning,
God's eternal NOW.
Now for me the day unsetting,
Now the song begun;
Now, the deep surpassing glory,
Brighter than the sun.
Hail! All hail! thou peaceful country
Of eternal calm;
Summer land of milk and honey,
Where the streams are balm.
There the Lord my Shepherd leads me,
Wheresoe'er He will;
In the fresh green pastures feeds me,
By the waters still.
Well I know them, those still waters!
Peace and rest at last;
In their depths the quiet heavens
Tell the storms are past,
Nought to mar the picture fair,
Of the glory resting there.

I haven't decided absolutely that this is my new favorite poem. But I'm considering.

From "My Heart Is Resting, O My Lord," by Anna Laetitia Waring

My heart is resting, O my God--
I will give thanks and sing;
My heart is at the secret source
Of every precious thing.
Now the frail vessel Thou has made
No hand but Thine shall fill--
For the waters of the Earth have failed,
And I am thirsty still. (first stanza)
Glory to Thee for strength withheld,
For want and weakness known--
And the fear that sends me to Thy breast
For what is most my own.
I have a heritage of joy
That yet I must not see;
But the hand that bled to make it mine
Is keeping it for me. (second stanza)

"O! Tell Me, Thou Life and Delight of My Soul" by Thomas Hastings

O! tell me, Thou life and delight of my soul,
Where the flock of Thy pastures are feeding;
I seek Thy protection, I need Thy control,
I would go where my Shepherd is leading.
O! tell me the place where Thy flocks are at rest,
Where the noontide will find them reposing?
The tempest now rages, my soul is distress'd,
And the pathway of peace I am losing.
O! why should I stray with the flocks of Thy foes,
'Mid the desert where now they are roving,
Where hunger and thirst, where affliction and woes,
And temptations their ruin are proving!
O! when shall my foes and my wandering cease?
And the follies that fill me with weeping!
Thou Shepherd of Israel, restore me that peace
Thou dost give to the flock Thou art keeping.
A voice from the Shepherd now bids thee return
By the way where the footprints are lying:
No longer to wander, no longer to mourn;
O fair one, now homeward be flying!

From "At the Lord's Table" by Horatius Bonar

I have no help but Thine; nor do I need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in Thy might,
Thy might alone.
Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood;
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace,
Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord my God. (second to last stanza)

Prayer Before Communion by Reginald Heber

Bread of the world, in mercy broken,
Wine of the soul, in mercy shed,
By whom the words of life were spoken,
And in whose death our sins are dead:
Look on the heart by sorrow broken,
Look on the tears by sinners shed;
And by Thy feast to us the token
That by Thy grace our souls are fed.

"The Blessed Morrow" by Gerhardt Tersteegen

'Midst the darkness, storm, and sorrow,
One bright gleam I see;
Well I know the blessed morrow
Christ will come for me.
'Midst the peace, the joy, the glory
And the light, God's own,
Christ for me is watching, waiting,
Waiting 'til I come.
Long the blessed Guide has led me,
By the desert road;
Now I see the coming splendor,
Splendor of my God.
There amidst the love and glory
He is waiting yet;
On His hands a name is graven
He can ne'er forget.
Who is this, who comes to meet me,
On the desert way,
As the Morning Star foretelling
God's unclouded day?
He it is who came to win me,
On the cross of shame;
In his glory well I know him,
Evermore the same.
O the blessed joy of meeting,
All the desert past;
O the wondrous words of greeting,
He shall speak at last!
He and I together ent'ring
The fair realm above;
He and I together sharing
All the Father's love.
Where no shade nor stain can enter,
Nor the gold be dim,
In His holiness unsullied,
I shall walk with HIm.
Meet companion then for Jesus,
From Him, for Him, made--
Glory of God's grace forever
There in me displayed.
He who in His hour of sorrow
Bore the curse alone;
I who through the lonely desert
Trod where He had gone;
He and I, in that bright glory,
One deep joy shall share--
Mine, to be forever with Him;
His, that I am there.

I haven't decided if I love, love, love this one...or not. At the very, very least it's given me food for thought. I haven't unpacked ALL the theology yet of this one. But for some reason it is resonating with me. It is in the section upon Joyous Anticipation of Christ's Return.

From "Jesus Lives, and So Shall I" by Christian F. Gellert

Jesus lives, and so shall I.
Death! thy sting is gone forever:
He, who deigned for me to die,
Lives, the bands of death to sever.
He shall raise me with the just:
Jesus is my Hope and Trust.
Jesus lives and reigns supreme;
And, His kingdom still remaining,
I shall also be with Him,
Ever living, ever reigning.
God has promised; be it must.
Jesus is my Hope and Trust. (first two stanzas)

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love poetry that is beautifully written and theologically rich. I'm also a big Tozer fan so I had high expectations for this book. The introduction explains that mystics and mysticism have commonly been linked to the idea of emotional, heart-felt religion without emphasis on theological soundness. Here Tozer uses the term to describe people who have had an intimate encounter with God (those who are "God-enamored") and who still retain orthodox beliefs. He insists that none of the entries are maudlin or sentimental and that every hymn and poem meets the test of faithfulness to the Christian scriptures.

Almost every poem was new to me and I appreciated the sumptuous language of many of them.

[Referring to the Trinity], "We bless Thy triple majesty!" The "Holy Ghost encircles thee with his uncreated splendor." The cross is "Thy mercy's all-amazing monument." And God is "enthroned amid the radiant spheres. He glory like a garment wears," are just a few examples.

I have to admit I was prejudiced against these moderately good poems because I'm reading a far better compilation of classic Christian verse edited by Lord David Cecil. Because most of Tozer's choices are hymns and have to fit a given meter, many had a sing-songy feel and a few were fluffy.

Still, I'm glad I perused these venerable gems from the past. I've added several to my list to memorize.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book intrigues me. If for no other reason, these poems, hymns, and prayers moved A. W. Tozer. When I think of what poured forth from his pen, and how it has moved my heart, I’m totally into whatever inspired Tozer.

When I first scoured these pages, I was immediately scolded. Not with a layer of guilt, but with a portion of conviction—I don’t slow down enough even when I read even from my own hymnbook. That deliberate, careful reading was one of Tozer’s secrets that he often tried to expose though usually without our cooperation. He always embraced the label “mystic” even after the term had some ugly baggage hoisted upon its back. The brief Introduction in this book makes the case that is more fully brought out in many of his other writings. Say what you will, but the person Tozer describes as a “mystic” walks with God.

Besides a few hymns (where reading slowly unlocks real treasure), the selections in this collection were unknown to me. Perhaps they aren’t all of equal lyrical value to the reader’s ear, but they are all rich. “Fluff” couldn’t describe any of them. Think more of strong doctrine going after the heart. Other sermons and books can handle the head. There are some expected authors like Wesley and Watts, or even Bernard of Clairvaux, but you’ll see that Tozer must have really loved Frederick William Faber too. And who would have thought of Oliver Wendall Holmes as a mystic!

Your favorites will be different than mine, but they’ll all be good. Look at this stanza from Watts:

Earth, from afar, hath heard Thy fame,

And worms have learned to lisp Thy Name;

But Oh the glories of Thy mind

Leave all our soaring thoughts behind.

 

Or this one by Faber:

O Lord! My heart is sick,

Sick of this everlasting change;

And life runs tediously quick

Through its unresting race and varied range:

Change finds no likeness to itself in Thee,

And wakes no echo in Thy mute Eternity.

 

There’s so much more! The poems are organized around important themes and you can come here for manna when you’re contemplating these subjects.

It’s Tozer. That’s enough to give it the highest rating. It’s his most unusual title and yet is of that same sterling quality. Probably the best book of its kind.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these poems and prayers! However, I think in future if I have a collection like this I will read one per day as part of my devotional time, rather than reading it through like a regular book.

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as a devotional, reading a poem each day. What a treasure trove of truth, worship, and inspiration from saints gone before us. There is so much depth in these pieces. Even though it is written in Old English, the beauty of the words and phrases are passionate. I highly recommend it!

[Victoria W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book lists A.W. Tozer on its cover, Tozer functioned as the compiler of this collection rather than contributor. Instead the pages are filled with the words of Fredrick William Faber, Jean Marie De La Motte-Guyon, Charles Wesley, Thomas Blacklock, Isaac Watts, and Christina Rosetti.


While I was introduced to poetry early and consistently through life, I was pleased to see this collection included many verses I was unfamiliar with. I was also impressed to see the equal footing given to both male and female writers, and the variety of topics covered in the pages.

I will say that I had a very hard time connecting with Faber's verses. I'm guessing it was a stylistic conflict. Unfortunately Tozer did not share this difficulty and featured his work heavily throughout the book.
Variety is definitely a strength within this collection, however, and there really is a writer for everyone to connect with in this collection.

The Christian Book of Mystical Verse provides a fascinating selection to both help readers in their reflections as well as introduce them to the writings of those who have gone before.

4 out of 5 stars

I received this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for an honest review, The views expressed are my own and unaltered.

[Evelyn Lilyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only recently acquired an interest in Christian poetry and written prayers. I was happy to find that Tozer had made a compilation of his favorite hymns, poems, and prayers from various writers. According to Tozer, these poems reflect Biblical theology, not just feel-good fuzzy feelings which I appreciate.

This compilation contains 111 passages arranged into 15 different topics. I like that he included works from many different writers, most of which I had never heard of before. I also hadn't heard most of these poems before but I liked several.

Of course, there are much better compilations of prayers, poems, et al out there (I personally love The Valley of Vision) but if you like Tozer and are interested in his favorite poems and prayers then by all means pick up this book. This is a good place to start with Christian poetry.

I received a copy of this book from Moody in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

#LitLife192021 "A Poetry Anthology"
Excellent. Read one a day in my devotions and then started reading several per day.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last couple years, probably since we started homeschooling, I have grown to really enjoy reading poems and learning about hymns. So I was excited when I saw a book with a collection of poems, hymns, and prayers that were compiled by A.W. Tozer, titled The Christian Book of Mystical Verse. Tozer is one of my favorite authors and if you were to ask me that question, if you could meet someone that is dead who would it be, Tozer would be one of them, because of the wisdom he has and his faith in Christ!


This collection focuses on God and worshipping Him through words written by some well-known poets, preachers, and writers. Tozer's selection is theologically sound and makes a connection to our soul to return to God for use in private devotion. "I would respectfully urge the one who may come into possession of this book not to "read" it as he would read another book. Let him rather to enter into its mood, to capture and be captured by its spirit."


The book is organized into categories: Adoration of the Godhead, Devotional Meditations on the Cross of Christ, Penitential Reflections On Our Sins, Rejoicing in Forgiveness and Justification, Yearning for Purity of Heart, Aspirations After God, Delighting in God's Presence, The Raptures of Divine Love, The Rest of Faith, Spiritual Warfare, Victory Through Praise, The Prayer of Quiet, Bliss of Communion, Joyous Anticipation of Christ's Return, and Immortality and the World to Come. Tozer mentions in the book that this is not a complete collection, as he wanted to make the book small enough to be portable.


I have read through several pages throughout the book and they are deep. Many of these date back to 1700's and some before. This is a book for someone new to poetry or long time poetry lover. Every Christian would benefit from having this book and it would also make a great book to give. You could use this book in several ways, read some in your devotional time, before beginning to pray, at the end of the day, dinner table with your family, etc...

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Tozer introduces this slim volume as for the worshiper. I grew up on hymns and praise songs and since they dwell deep in my heart and memory, at any time that I desire to worship God in song, I am able to do so. Tozer rightly points out that over time we've lost our spiritual heritage of English language verse. It is his recommendation that the book be used as needed for private devotion, whether reading one selection or several.

I began by reading through the first section on the Adoration of the Godhead, and found quickly that I responded best to the writings by reading aloud. The selections are arranged topically and include among others "Penitential Reflections on our Sins", "Rejoicing in Forgiveness and Justification", and "The Prayer of Quiet".

Tozer has selected verse that is sound in theology and is "mystical" - he defines the mystic as one who is in "intimate fellowship with the Godhead". I include the below description from the introduction because it really sets the tone of the book and subsequent personal worship:

"He [the mystic] differs from the orthodox Christian only because he experiences his faith down in the depths of his sentient being while the others do not. He exists in a world of spiritual reality. He is quietly, deeply, and sometimes almost ecstatically aware of the Presence of God in his own nature and in the world around him."

I thought that the book would be helpful to me as a teacher and for those I consider students (Women's Ministry) as I sometimes like to share selections for meditation or study. This book is not for that. However, I've already thought of those who might use the poems, hymns, and prayers Tozer has collected for their own private worship as I have. It is a gift to the heart that longs to cry out to God in a way that is beautiful.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Christian Book of Mystical Verse compiled by A. W. Tozer. This collection includes hymns and prayers, but the majority of it is lyric poetry. Most selections are not written in easy-to-read, common speech; however, the effort to read slowly and experience the text is worth the effort. Many of the poems contain exuberant praise that serves as an uplifting reminder of the greatness of God.

The Christian Book of Mystical Verse is divided into fifteen topical sections and The Prayer of Quiet was my favorite section. This collection did not include some of the well-known poets I expected, but I enjoyed being introduced to new-to-me authors such as Frederick William Faber whose beautiful poetry featured often. Some of my favorite poems were: The Greatness of God by Frederick William Faber, Prayer for Purity by Nicolaus Ludwig Von Zinzendorf, My God! Silent to Thee! By Thomas Moore, and In Immanuel’s Land by Anne R. Cousin.

Perhaps you’re wondering about the word “mystical” in the title. A. W. Tozer explains in his introduction: “The word ‘mystic’ as it occurs in the title of this book refers to that personal spiritual experience common to the saints of Bible times and well known to multitudes of persons in the post-Biblical era. I refer to the evangelical mystic who has been brought by the gospel into intimate fellowship with the Godhead… He [or she] exists in a world of spiritual reality.” (Pg. 16)

I recommend The Christian Book of Mystical Verse: A Collection of Poems, Hymns, and Prayers for Devotional Reading compiled by A. W. Tozer to any Christian believer who enjoys lyric poetry.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts:

A. W. Tozer is a favorite author of mine. I was drawn to this book because he complied the volume, but it holds other favorite authors of mine.

The book is a strong source of information if you are a writer as it holds quotes from Christian greats.

The book can be used in prayer or as a daily devotional.

Some of my favorites in the book:

"Before The Cross" From the French of Jacques Bridaine, TR. Thomas Benson Pollock
"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" by Bernard Of Clairvaux, TR. Paul Gerhardt, English TR., James Waddell Alexander
"Song of Assurance" by Johann Andreas Rothe, TR. John Wesley
"God Is Present Everywhere" Oliver Holden
"O Love Divine!" Oliver Wendell Holmes
"In Heavenly Love Abiding" by Anne Laetitia Waring
"The Benefits Of Suffering" by Jeanne Marie Bouvier De La Motte-Guyon
"O Jesus, King Most Wonderful" by Bernard Of Clairvaux, TR. Edward Caswall
"Prayer Before Communion" by Reginald Heber

[DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent; Thought Provoking

I felt cautious about reading a book with mystical verse equating mystical with magic. This analogy does not hold true when applied to any writing or anthology associated with Tozer. The book is absolutely focused on praise and worship of the triune God.

The book begins with hymns, but not the ones we are familiar with in our church hymnals. I used these verses as first spoken word poems that I read aloud. Then I understood that I too could be a psalmist creating my own spur of the moment tunes for these words. The words had more depth to me when I sang them. I also highlighted many passages that held significance and plan to return to reread them before I remove this content from my Kindle.

In addition, the book has two prominent excerpts from other Tozer publications that I thoroughly enjoyed as part of my ongoing morning devotional. This book is an excellent, thought provoking addition to anyone's daily quiet time.

[Seth Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This little book collects poems that reveal the love of Christ which passes knowledge so that the soul will be filled with all the fullness of God.

Evaluation: These poems are consistently excellent, but Faber’s poems on the Trinity lift the soul to wonder and adoration so that I can hardly wait for the next world.

[Katherine Van Halst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at Goodwill because I was very curious based on the title. It is a book of religious poetry that reminds me of the hymns we used to sing in my conservative Baptist church as a kid.

[Michelle West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any believer who love poetry. Tozer did a phenomenal job of collecting and piecing work together. There is old English, which I love, but could be difficult for those who are not used to/do not like reading it.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of Christian poems of the Trinity, God's attributes, the Atonement, sanctification and Heaven.

[Yvonne M. Patterson-Quirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the prose, poetry and praises!

This book allows you to pause and give Thanks to God for all His Blessings. I read it more than once and will probably read it again!!

[Antifolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of poems. Some were very moving. Led me to knew writers and poets I didn't know if.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very nice collection of Christian poetry with some real jewels inside.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing collection of great poems with deep meaning

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice collection of Tozers favorite poems, hymns, and prayers. Some I was familiar with, others I was not. Most all were good.

[John Ordonez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. Definitely recommended taking your time reading it. It is not a hard read, but it is one that is meant to take time.

[Savanna Kultgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book if you are looking for a collection of solid Christian poetry. Planning to add to my collection of physical books so that I can study it more.

[Mikejencostanzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help me remember. It really wasn't that long ago that all churches basically sang hymns, was it? I think our generation has lived through a time of transition, where history brought along a challenge to the unrivaled hymnal of old. And now, with the passage of only about 2 decades, most churches seem to have found their groove. There are staunch hymn-singers, there are middle-of-the-road folks consciously attempting to mix "contemporary" with "modern," and there are the all-out rock bands.

While I won't bash contemporary worship music, there is a very special place in my heart for hymns. I owe this preference in large part to The Christian Book of Mystical Verse, which I was introduced to as a teenager. I used it quite a bit for meditation, and even now, when I pick it up, I find it grounds me, like almost nothing else.

Not a hymnal, it is quite simply a book of spiritual poetry, much of it written in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Some pieces, however, range back to the beginning of the second millennium. One piece I love for meditation: the staggering text to the Te Deum Laudamus. Another favorite of mine: a beautiful prayer written originally in Italian by the artist Michaelangelo. And of course, all nineteen stanzas (did you know there were nineteen?) to the church classic The Sands of Time are Sinking.

There is something very enlivening and yet sobering to read something penned centuries ago and feel the same joy, grief, mystery & worship as the writer experienced. If this gets you excited, I should also commend to you The Odes Project. Not a book, rather it's an audio collection of the earliest hymns to have been discovered (outside of the Bible), set to music--cool stuff.

--Jen

[Jeremy Utley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some spectacular poems in here. Especially liked several of the Frederick Faber ones. But there were also a few that I personally didn't really connect with, hence the 4 star.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of poems, hymns and prayers chosen by A. W. Tozer and they are so very inspiring and beautiful!

There are different sections on specific subjects such as "Adoration of the Godhead', "Delighting in God's Presence", and "Joyous Anticipation of Christ's Return" and many more. I really was so touched by these writings as they made me think of the holiness of God and Christ.

Each writing has the author after it so that if you're so inclined (which I was), you can look up more by that author. I really liked that because it gave me the opportunity to find new authors that point to the glory and grace of God.

This book has become part of my devotional time as it prepares my heart and softens it for my time with God. I really love this book and it's one of the most beautiful volumes I've ever read. I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars!

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Mood Publishers

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb collection of penetrating prose that covers a century of Western Christianity. I love the quality, the breath of authors, the varying traditions and the way that they all are woven around this motif of a mystical pursuit of Jesus.

Reading the poems out loud is crucial to experiencing their full impact. This excellent resource greatly enhanced my devotionals and I plan to use it in worship settings. Having read it I can know understand why Tozer's works were always laced with so many striking stanzas.

[Karen L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice collection of verse that can be helpful for devotional use.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with hymns and devotional verse, all written before the 1900's. Great material for worship.