Writing the Sacred: A Psalm-inspired Path to Appreciating and Writing Sacred Poetry

by Ray McGinnis

In this unique book, Ray McGinnis offers us a new, deeper, and more meaningful way to explore and understand the Psalms. Vividly connecting us with the original psalm writers, McGinnis discusses the intent and meaning of the historical psalms, and then sets us on a path to creating our own sacred poetry. Explaining the various literary devices used, and the intention behind the various types of psalms, McGinnis leads us through sensory and poetic exercises designed to transform the reader into an inspired modern day psalmist.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

222 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2005

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to treasure and to re-read, especially at times of confusion or discouragement. For me, writing is a way to increase mental, emotional, and spiritual health. But the challenge is finding the trailhead to begin the journey.

Sometimes I need a guide to help me start: Ray McGinnis is the perfect guide. I have been fortunate, blessed even, to have had him guide me, along with others, to find the writers voice that is unique to each one of us. This book is a treasure house of writing techniques and exercises, deep knowledge of the history of sacred writing from diverse authors, and creativity. For the spiritual seeker, this guidebook is indispensable. It will ignite your creativity and take you into new territory. Ray points out that the sacred is all around us in everyday life. Like a good hiking guide, he helps us to stop and notice.

One of his exercises inspired me to write the following:

For iridescent-feathered hummingbirds
I thank You
For the purring of my cat beside me,
I thank You
For the joyful dance of my grand -daughter
I thank You.

[Tom]

“I found Writing the Sacred a great starting place for using the Biblical Psalms as a prompt for writing new psalms, spiritual poems and journal entries.
The book celebrates and invites the reader to explore their own spiritual journey through writing, and provides many writing exercises to write about different topics,
and to use different poetic techniques. His journal entries, poetry and prayers reflect his passion for both a contemplative life and responsible citizenship. Ray McGinnis shows us the diversity of the Psalms: beautiful, raw, menacing and inspired. And he invites us to uncover the many sides of ourselves, using the Psalms as a catalyst for deepening our journey toward the holy. I have also taken a Writing the Sacred workshop from Ray McGinnis, and found his instruction to my church group to be equally creative, whimsical and spiritually infused.

[Juanita L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray McGinnis’ book “Writing the Sacred,” introduces us to the poetry of other fine writers, and empowers us to write our own psalms and poems. Each chapter offers a look at different aspects of the Psalms – from Thanksgiving to Forgiveness, Lament to Leadership. We are then given writing exercises to help get our own imagination flowing. I have appreciated the clarity this has brought to my own self-understanding, and have found it very useful in a workshop with congregational members who, in turn, are delighted with their own creativity.
Juanita L. Austin
Canada

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t have to consider yourself “religious” or an everyday reader of the Psalms to appreciate their poetic language and wisdom relevant to today. I so appreciated Ray McGinnis’ writing about the connections between writing, the sacred, and poetry. Poetry, literary “techniques,” writing prompts, resources, and McGinnis’s own personal experiences help readers find the sacred in every day.

[Cathy Sosnowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

McGinnis makes the psalms accessible and inspires readers to write their own sacred verse. A rewarding endeavour, both the reading and the writing! Cathy Sosnowsky

[Grete · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ecumenical look at writing contemporary psalms. McGinnis may not be the most original writer ever, but the exercises he suggests are well-designed to aid not merely writing but self-exploration. I found the last chapter - a mini-anthology of psalms by a wide range of contributors - to be the most compelling.