Christian Book of Mystical Verse

A.W. Tozer compiled this anthology of Christian poetry during the height of his pastoral ministry, drawing from centuries of devotional verse to create what he considered essential reading for spiritual formation. Writing in an era when evangelical Christianity often viewed mystical spirituality with suspicion, Tozer sought to demonstrate the rich tradition of experiential faith expressed through poetry, believing that verse could penetrate the heart in ways that prose doctrine alone could not.

The collection spans medieval mystics to modern devotional poets, organized around themes of divine love, spiritual longing, and the soul's journey toward God. Tozer's selections emphasize poetry that moves beyond intellectual understanding toward direct spiritual experience, featuring works that express the believer's passionate pursuit of divine union. His brief introductory comments reveal his conviction that true Christian mysticism—grounded in Scripture and orthodox theology—offers a vital counterbalance to both dry intellectualism and shallow emotionalism. The anthology includes familiar hymn writers alongside lesser-known contemplative poets, unified by their shared emphasis on the heart's response to divine love rather than merely doctrinal correctness.

The work has remained valuable as one of the few evangelical-compiled collections that takes mystical spirituality seriously, introducing readers to voices they might not otherwise encounter. Tozer's editorial perspective legitimized contemplative poetry for evangelical audiences while maintaining theological boundaries that distinguished Christian mysticism from other spiritual traditions. Who should read this: Christians seeking to deepen their devotional life through poetry and those curious about the mystical tradition within orthodox Christianity. This collection is less suitable for readers looking for systematic theology or those uncomfortable with experiential approaches to faith.