Interdisciplinary and ecumenical in scope, Poetry and Prayer offers theoretical discussion on the profound connection between poetic inspiration and prayer as well as reflection on the work of individual writers and the traditions within which they stand. An international range of established and new scholars in literary studies and theology offer unique contributions to the neglected study of poetry in relation to prayer. Part I addresses the relationship of prayer and poetry. Parts II and III consider these and related ideas from the point of view of their implementation in a range of different authors and traditions, offering case studies from, for example, the Bible, Dante, Shakespeare and Herbert, as well as twentieth-century poets such as Thomas Merton, Denise Levertov, W.H. Auden and R.S. Thomas.
Poetry and Prayer focuses on the relationship of poetry and prayer as aspects of human spirituality and of the expression of that spirituality. Interdisciplinary and ecumenical in scope, the volume offers theoretical discussion on the profound connection between poetic inspiration and prayer as well as reflection on and close reading of the work of individual writers and of different traditions. The volume reinforces contemporary theological concern with poetic experience and expression distinct from the propositional discourse traditionally favoured by theologians.