Each week we carefully curate a collection of poems that resonate with the lectionary readings for that week (Narrative Lectionary and Revised Common Lectionary).
*** Revised Common Lectionary ***
Lectionary Reading: Matthew 15:10-28
CLASSIC POEM:
Woman of Canaan
John Newton
Prayer an answer will obtain,
Though the Lord awhile delay;
None shall seek his face in vain,
None be empty sent away.
When the woman came from Tyre,
And for help to Jesus sought;
Though he granted her desire,
Yet at first he answered not.
Could she guess at his intent,
When he to his follow’rs said,
I to Israel’s sheep am sent,
Dogs must not have children’s bread.
She was not of Israel’s seed,
But of Canaan’s wretched race;
Thought herself a dog indeed;
Was not this a hopeless case?
Yet although from Canaan sprung,
Though a dog herself she styled;
She had Israel’s faith and tongue,
And was owned for Abraham’s child.
From his words she draws a plea;
Though unworthy children’s bread,
‘Tis enough for one like me,
If with crumbs I may be fed.
Jesus then his heart revealed,
Woman canst thou thus believe?
I to thy petition yield,
All that thou canst wish, receive.
‘Tis a pattern set for us,
How we ought to wait and pray;
None who plead and wrestle thus,
Shall be empty sent away.
*** This poem is in the public domain,
and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
CONTEMPORARY POEM:
Word
Madeleine L’Engle
SNIPPET:
I, who live by words, am wordless when
I try my words in prayer. All language turns
To silence.
…
[ READ THE FULL POEM ]
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C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
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