Poetry of Redemption: An Illustrated Treasury of Good Friday and Easter Poems

by Leland Ryken

God's eternal redemptive plan came to fruition in the events of a tumultuous handful of days. In the two thousand years since, believers have sought to express the horror of Christ's crucifixion, the joy of his resurrection, and the wonder of the personal and eternal implications of both. The works of poets such as John Milton, John Donne, and Christina Rosetti and hymnists such as Isaac Watts and Fanny Crosby unite with the poetic testimony of Scripture in this anthology. Forty meditative readings present their work alongside literary explanations from author Leland Ryken. Accompanied by beautiful artwork (none shows Christ's face), they are designed to fix our thoughts on God and the spiritual life and to awaken our religious affections. Rather than merely recreating the events, these psalms, hymns, and poems lead us to analyze their spiritual meaning and prompt us to respond with heartfelt praise and adoration.

Genres: Poetry, Devotional

168 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2023

About the author

Dr. Ryken has served on the faculty of Wheaton College since 1968. He has published over thirty books and more than one hundred articles and essays, devoting much of his scholarship to Bible translations and the study of the Bible as literature. He served as Literary Chairman for the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible and in 2003 received the distinguished Gutenberg Award for his contributions to education, writing, and the understanding of the Bible.

He is the father of Philip Graham Ryken

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023: Beautiful content both in words and art! So much to contemplate and Leland Ryken does not disappoint by providing his guidance in understanding each entry with his helpful commentary. Only one downfall … P & R should have offered this book in hardback.
2024: Definitely a favorite

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
• Guess who miscalculated their Lent reading plan? Yeah. I finished a couple of days ago, almost a solid week early (I think I forgot to exclude Sundays when planning out the 40 days).
• This is the second Leland Ryken anthology I've read, the first being "The Soul in Paraphrase."
• As a bit of a word nerd, this hit the spot for me in several ways. The poems in this anthology were carefully chosen and arranged, and I was surprised at the range of sources (poems, hymns, scripture, and even the Apostles' Creed at the end). The commentary was interesting (🤓) and helped me to have a deeper appreciation for the chosen works.
• The art is fantastic.
• It's been ages since I've written any devotional poetry. This makes me want to get back into writing in a more structured and intentional manner.

[Weston Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently curated collection featuring beautiful presentation and commentary.

[Noah Hosking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leland’s commentary on each piece of work is to be commended! He squeezes every last drop out of each poem so you can enjoy Christ to the max in each of them.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book of devotional reading and reflection. Would make a great help to personal meditation and private worship during Holy Week. Ryken’s analysis is helpful and thoughtful. And the accompanying illustrations of great art depicting various parts of Holy Week gives additional vibrancy to the book. I only wish P&R had chosen to print it as a hardback with a ribbon marker.

[Eric Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leland’s book was first step back in poetry in a long time. Reading it over lent and leading up to Easter stirred up a greater appreciation for the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ.

I also appreciated his comments about each poem regarding its structure, content and purpose

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can poetry spark our hearts during Holy Week? In Poetry of Redemption, Leland Ryken presents an illustrated treasury of Good Friday and Easter poems.

In this 150-page anthology, Ryken shares 40 meditative readings for Holy Week. The book is divided into 7 sections, beginning Before the Foundation of the World: God’s Eternal Redemptive Plan and ending At the Open Tomb: Resurrection. Poems, sonnets, and songs are combined to paint a vivid and moving picture of the passion of Christ.


Devotional Literature

Ryken explains why these selections are to be seen as devotional literature, and he accompanies each with an explication. An explication is “a literary analysis and explanation of the form and content of a poem.” In this way, Ryken is likened to a guide who journeys with you through the form and content of a poem, pointing out and explaining the beauty and meaning along the way.

I was most pleased to see familiar hymns such as Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed by Isaac Watts and There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood by William Cowper. I also found new favorites such as Spit in My Face, You Jews by John Donne and When Rising from the Bed of Death by Joseph Addison.


Beautiful, Rich, and Rewarding

I was most moved to see hymns from the Bible, including The Sufferer’s Psalm (Psalm 22), The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), and Even Death on a Cross (Philippians 2:5–11). Ryken’s insights are worshipful throughout. Also included are gorgeous paintings and illustrations from history.

This book is a beautiful, rich, and rewarding read. It has inspired me to continue crafting my own prayer poems and worship songs. It will help you feel the emotion in Holy Scripture, experience the wonder of Holy Week, and get a glimpse of the glory of our Holy Lord.


I received a media copy of Poetry of Redemption and this is my honest review.

[Nancy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, contemplative collection of poetic devotionals that meditate on the events of Holy Week.

In the Introduction, Ryken explains that the anthology consists of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. The psalms refer to poetry taken from the Bible, the hymns consist of Holy Week-themed songs (eg And Can It Be by Charles Wesley), and the spiritual songs here are classic literary poems.

The aim of these poetic devotionals is to fix our thoughts and our affections on God, with the cross at the center of those thoughts.

I have really enjoyed rediscovering poetry in my devotional reading time with the Lord. It’s been a helpful pathway into engaging my affections for the Lord, rather than only acquiring knowledge. John Donne and George Herbert’s were my favorites.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning devotional anthology that weaves together poetry, prose, art, and scripture around a single unifying theme. Each devotional reading is paired with an explication, or commentary that offers a blend of spiritual insight and literary analysis, allowing for an experience that engages both the heart and mind.

This devotional combines a contemplative journey through Holy Week with an invitation to fix our thoughts and adoration on our Redeemer and Savior every day. Through classic literary poetry, hymns, and rich art, we are immersed in God's eternal redemptive plan.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice collection of poetry and hymns relating to Good Friday and Easter -- many of them dating from centuries past. The book also has some lovely illustrations from classic artists -- as well as a few modern pieces. A good book to read before Easter, to meditate on all that Christ has done for us.

[Michelle Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the collection and variety of authors and poetry included and the artwork was beautiful. I was not expecting all the full color artwork! Ryken’s notes I didn’t always find particularly helpful, though sometimes they were, but for the collection itself it is well worth a read. His notes tended to focus on poetic structure rather than content.

[Adam Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leland Ryken has curated a selection of hymns, poems, and art that beautifully tells the story of God’s love for and redemption of man. His commentary on each selection demonstrates a profound understanding of not only good art, but more importantly good theology. A precious book that I will return to over and over again.

[Bennett Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding anthology of Good Friday and Easter poems from a variety of sources (Scripture, hymns, English poetry) with illuminating commentary. Perfect for personal reflection and/or family worship before, during, and after Holy Week.

[Chris Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading poetry is stretching for me. Ryken did a good job explaining things, though at times he was more obsessive about the structure of poetry than the substance of theology. I may read again in a future Lent season.

[Linda Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book filled with Scripture, hymns, sacred poetry, and prayers focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Short but satisfying devotionals were also included. The anthology sums up what Jesus did (redemption accomplished) and its effects on believers (redemption applied).

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already looking forward to reading out again next spring in anticipation of Easter. I was inspired while learning a greater appreciation for the various poetry found within

[Erik Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful resource for devotional meditation.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not have enjoyed this one more!

[Jackie DeWaters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the poetry, but I especially loved the analysis that made me feel like I was back in college English class in the best way.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic work of meditation and devotion.