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Astonished by Prayer: Poetry to Combat Prayerlessness

Few writers have managed to capture both the weight and wonder of prayer. The most beautiful attempt I know of comes in a sonnet written by George Herbert (1593–1633). Before we plunge into this poem together, I’d love for you to let Herbert’s masterpiece wash over you whole:

Prayer (I)

Prayer the Church’s banquet, Angels’ age,

     God’s breath in man returning to his birth,