Ebook
'Wounded I Sing is an Advent song for the soul which, with all the intensity of the minor key, plummets the depths of sorrow but emerges rejoicing.'
Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, England
George Herbert is widely regarded as the greatest devotional poet the world has known. Here Richard Harries introduces the poet and reflects on 24 of his greatest poems, six for each of the four weeks of Advent, including "Redemption", "The Country Parson" and "The Temple".
Each week focuses on a different theme:
Week 1: Winning the Heart
Week 2: Held by Christ
Week 3: Welcome
Week 4: All Praise
After each poem Richard Harries reflects on the poet’s sense of the divine and draws out spiritual insights for the reader to think about as they prepare to celebrate Christ's appearing.
The result is a book that readers will want to return to over and over again, whether during Advent or in any other season of the year.
Week 1: Winning the Heart
Week 2: Held by Christ
Week 3: Welcome
Week 4: All Praise
'This is a book of extraordinary beauty - compelling, elegant, pro found, spiritual and moving. For those who find poetry difficult, this is an excellent way in; for those who know their George Herbert well, there is much that they can learn. Richard Harries has written a book that uses poetry as a vehicle for preparation (whether for Advent or for any other season). It will become a spiritual classic of our time.'
'George Herbert! What poet is wiser, deeper, fresher, clearer? And Richard Harries! Who else today can match Herbert at all points? This profound little gem will draw you deeper into loving God, poetry and life.'
'If you are a person who struggles to access or articulate the deep emotions of faith, then this book will be of interest. With insight and sensitivity, Harries explores the way in which Herbert's poetry mirrors the ups and downs of our own faith journeys, and helps the modern mind to connect with themes, such as sin, judgement and woundedness, that may seem outdated. Wounded I Sing is an Advent song for the soul which, with all the intensity of the minor key, plumbs the depths of sorrow but emerges rejoicing.'
'Like the season of Advent, Herbert's poems are often in the vocative. They shout out to God for some repair, forgiveness or answer. To bring them together is very helpful and, placed together with the creative curation and spiritual intelligence of Richard Harries, we are given a valuable companion. In the world, Advent is at risk.This book ensures that people of faith will know it and draw from it, as the poetic well of wisdom and hope it is for the human spirit.'