Prayer by George Herbert: A Personal Response

I think Prayer by George Herbert is one of the most beautiful poems in the English language. Although written in the seventeenth century the poem has a very modern feel to it. At its core is a simple list of phrases, each one defining Christian prayer. For me each phrase triggers rich and powerful associations that resonate deeply. They compel the reader to make an emotional, intelectual and an imaginative response to each word and phrase.

There is no prescribed doctrine but an invitation and a freedom to explore and plummet the readers imagination. The poem is deeply sensuous and elemental. And therefore creates strong vivid imagery.

Each time I read it, the poem evolves and shifts its meaning as my experience of the world changes. In the end it is a kind of patch work or collage of striking images