How Christian poetry can help us face our fears, doubts, and hope

Jacob wrestled with God all night, refusing to release his grasp until a blessing came. Although we see an excellent model for wrestling with God throughout the Psalms, there are many poets of our English language who also carried on this invaluable tradition of praying, lamenting, and pleading, never avoiding the things which are hard. Through meter and metaphor, they expressed the groanings of the spirit almost too deep for words - and yet beautifully crystallized in them anyway. 

With the help of world-class English teacher Michelle Drake, join in a discussion on how the works of the Christian poets of the past can help us voice our fears, our doubts, and ultimately our hope, however flickering, in God. No prior knowledge or appreciation of poetry is needed as a prerequisite - the words will help guide you to God.

Recordings

Handouts: Poetry Terminology, Session 1, Session 2, Session 3.

Teacher

Michelle Drake has been teaching literature at a classical school in Colorado Springs for twelve years, and helping others to enjoy feasting on the great works of the past. When she is not grading papers or trying to convince everyone to read The Brothers Karamazov, she enjoys hiking, drinking tea, and practicing her French with her husband.