Poetica Divina
Poetica Divina {sacred reading of poetry} is contemplative, like Lectio Divina, but focuses on divinely inspired poetry rather than scripture. Poetic praying allows for deep reflection as you connect with God with stenagmois {a Greek word meaning groans or sighs too deep for words}. Whether you read existing poems or write your own, remember this is not about perfection. It's about finding a pathway to release your emotions in prayer. God is there, ready to sit with you in your deepest groanings and guide you to freedom. Poetry invites you to 'read between the lines' as you contemplate the deeper meaning of the art you've just experienced.
Poetica Divina Steps to Follow:
Find a comfortable position and create your space. Select a poem that speaks to your heart. {This could include sacred poetry like a Psalm.} Soften your eyes and take several deep breaths as you still yourself in the presence of the Father as you offer the Father a moment of gratitude.
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​Read the poem slowly as you open your heart to receive from God. Don't get lost in the meaning; allow the words to wash over you.
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​Pause and allow your heart to metabolize what you read. Sit in stillness for a moment or two.
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Reread the poem aloud, slowly, and with intention. As you read the poem, think about how the words connect with you emotionally.
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​Read the poem a third time as you ask the Father to highlight what He wants you to know. Then, use what you are sensing to articulate your prayer of response to the Father. Pay attention to visual cues or scripture references that come to mind. ​
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Finish with a gratitude prayer.
Prayers
Be
Be still and know I am your Father above.
Be still and know you are wrapped in My love.
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Be still and know I will always remain.
Be still and trust My ways are simple and plain.
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Be still and know My gentle command.
Be still and know you’re in the palm of my hand.
Just BE—with Me.
Becoming
When answers to our prayers arrive—
Sometimes not as we wish, as trials arise,
Each challenge a stone on the path we trod,
Leading us onward, closer to God.
We ask for patience, quietly plead,
Yet trials of others test us indeed.
We long for love’s depth, our hearts to bestow,
God sends us the difficult, helping us grow.
We yearn for gentleness, soft words to impart,
Yet harshness often tug at the heart.
We pray for faith, that trust may increase—
Then struggle through storms that shatter our peace.
We seek humility, bowing our head,
Then bear silent wounds for words never said.
We plead for strength, for courage anew,
Hurdles arise, then surrender is due.
We strive to surrender, to lay down our will,
Only to find greater tests to become still.
To serve not ourselves, we pray to be free—
God grants us the chance, in others to see.
We yearn for stillness, silence to find,
But distractions and noise crowd our mind.
We desire Christ’s likeness, His image to bear,
God whispers, "I've answered—your prayer is My care.”
“Through the furnace I’ve led you, refining your soul,
With trials and courage, I’m making you whole."
My Soul
Oh, my soul, be still and breathe.
In His quiet moments, watch your worries leave.
Oh, my soul, be still and cease.
In His solitude, find your burdens' release.
Oh, my soul, be still and rest.
In the depths of His calm, feel your heart slow in your chest.
Oh, my soul, be still and know.
In His gentle, quiet hush, let your inner peace grow.
Oh, my soul, be still and wait.
In His hidden places, contemplate and create.
Oh, my soul, be still and rest assured.
In His safe embrace, allow your broken heart to be cured.
Love
In shadows deep and valleys wide,
A tender heart, a soul confides.
Beloved child, in grace you stand,
Crafted gently by My hand.
Each hair that falls, each tear that streams,
I know your fears; I hold your dreams.
From the very start, you were My choice,
In quiet moments, hear My voice.
You are not lost, nor do you stray,
With every dawn, I guide your way.
Your path is lit by love divine,
My plans for you are pure, benign.
In struggles faced and trials bold,
I am the rock on which you hold.
With open arms, I draw you near,
In every heartbeat, feel Me here.
Through Jesus' death, your life was bought
A bond unbroken forever sought.
He came to show the depth of grace,
In every moment, find His face.
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So walk in confidence, My dear,
In every joy, in every tear.
You are My treasure, cherished, bright,
Your existence sparks My light.
Be still and know
I will never go.
With every step, remember, be free,
For you are forever a part of Me.
You Called
You called,
I listened and paused to look your way
busy chasing my own dreams, not ready to obey.
Barely hesitating, uncertain in my glance,
Surely I ‘m not worthy – so I left my life to chance…
You called again,
this time I stopped and pondered on your truth.
I contemplated, as you waited-
patient through and through.
You watched me in my blindness
falter, stumble and fall.
You watched with loving, longing eyes but I couldn’t comprehend it all.
You reached to me from heaven,
and tried to lift me up-
how sad I didn’t understand the blood within the cup.
Still, you did not give up…
I stood my ground stubbornly.
Full of pride and confidence,
I clung to my own ignorance-
thinking ” I can do this on my own”.
So satan smiled for a little while,
another sinner lost- and far from home.
But…the love of Jesus!
Crucified, for me he died- Yes, even me!
Humbly, I fell to my knees,
at last the realization,
no more need for contemplation.
Jesus has made me see! Jesus has set me free!
In His name is my victory.
Now, I give thanks every day.
I praise the Lord, I thank the Lord,
for His Son who is The Life, The Truth, The Way.
I lay down my life, I give it all to Him –
in His name I live and pray.
To God be the Glory,
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
~ Dawn
Life's Stormy Seas
Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,
Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,
What matter beating wind and tossing billow
If only we are in the boat with Thee?
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Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute
While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill:
Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?
Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?”
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- Amy Carmichael
Hope For the Future
Hope for the future,
and for now and today
comes when God’s plans
we follow and obey.
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Hope brimming with joy,
and of peacefulness
comes when we walk
a life of faithfulness.
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Hope filled with trust,
and blessed assurance
comes when we live
a life full of pureness.
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Hope heart stilling,
and mind calming
comes when into sin
we keep from falling.
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Hope for the future,
is our hope for the day
for we know to follow . . .
the Life, Truth and Way!
-Deborah Ann Belka
God Will Never
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
– author unknown
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Faithful
Even now, God is faithful.
He always abides where you are.
Living among the hurts of your heart,
he heals wounds into testimony scars.
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Even now, God is faithful.
He cares about your fears.
Breathing peace into your spirit,
he brings calming strength to you here.
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Even now, God is faithful.
He fulfills his good plans.
Ordaining all things to have purpose,
his glory reigns and commands.
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Even now, God is faithful.
He forgives sins confessed.
Patient with his justice,
he longs for all to repent.
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Even now, God is faithful.
Forever, he protects and provides.
With unconditional love, he sent Jesus
to bear our sins and bridge the divide.
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Even now, God is
faithful,
never changing,
the great I AM.
Fulfilling every promise with
immeasurable grace,
he keeps you safe in
the palm of his hand.
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~Jamie Trunnel
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Healing Touch
Jesus’ healing touch,
is just a brush away . . .
when you go to Him
on your knees and pray.
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He will touch your heart,
mend the breaks within
put back all the pieces
till a new life begins.
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Jesus’ saving touch,
is close and near . . .
He will rid your soul
of all that you fear.
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He’ll touch your mind,
restore your sanity
replace your thoughts
with His tranquility.
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Jesus’ healing touch
is just a brush away . . .
so give Him your pain
straightaway today!
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- Deborah Ann Belka
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Broken Heart
God can do wonders
with broken hearts
He can heal and mend
all the injured parts.
But, you must give Him,
your heart as it breaks
each little piece of it
and all the little flakes.
God can perform miracles,
on hearts that are damaged
He can undo the impact
where grief has ravaged.
But, you must go to Him,
with a heart surrendered
so He can do the repairs
without being hindered.
God can do wonders,
miracles He still performs
for, on hearts that are broken
He mercifully transforms!
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- Deborah Ann Belka
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Inner Healing
Father, this is my morning psalm to You
The God who knows me true
You know all the things I’ve been and am going through
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The past shrouded with abuse
How my abusers treated me as a failure
The times I thought I was of no use
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How I was treated by some as a second class person
Because of my physical and developmental challenges
Because unlike others I can’t walk that well
Stutter sometimes when I talk
Can’t always find the right word to say
Delays in getting my thoughts out
Judged as lacking faith because I’m not totally physically healed
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The jeers
The sneers
The heartache
The sorrow
The times I couldn’t see a brighter tomorrow
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What those who judge me fail to see is this
How You are making my mind sharper
Improving my health
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Changing me more into the person You want me to be
You and the counsellors of my wounded heart
They are helping me to see the truth of who I really am
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Beautiful
Caring
Creative
Articulate
Giving
Witty
Strong within
Sensitive
Intelligent
A listener
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I lift my morning psalm to You
I know You’ll always see me through
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The good times and the bad
Times I am happy
Times I am sad
Let me always lift this morning psalm to You
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I thank You, Lord, for loving me
For calling me to forgive those who hurt me
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That the path of Your love I would more fully see
Keep changing me
Calling me to be more loving
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Discovering who yet I can be
As I put my trust in Thee
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- Dr. Kevin Osborne
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Poetica Divina Prayer Book
by Sissy Reese
Explore Poetica Divina, a special poetry collection filled with spiritual insights that connect you to God. Each poem mixes emotional depth with wisdom, encouraging you to seek inspiration and discover deeper truths.
Allow this devotional book to help you build a meaningful connection with God and find peace in His stillness.
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Click HERE to read.