Sacred poetry from twelve mystics and saints, rendered brilliantly by Daniel Ladinsky, beloved interpreter of verses by the fourteenth-century Persian poet Hafiz One of 6 Books Oprah Loves to Give as Gifts During the Holidays “All kinds of beautiful poetry.” –Hoda Kotb In this luminous collection, Daniel Ladinsky—best known for his bestselling interpretations of the great Sufi poet Hafiz—brings together the timeless work of twelve of the world’s finest spiritual writers, six from the East and six from the West. Once again, Ladinsky reveals his talent for creating profound and playful renditions of classic poems for a modern audience. Rumi’s joyous, ecstatic love poems; St. Francis’s loving observations of nature through the eyes of Catholicism; Kabir’s wild, freeing humor that synthesizes Hindu, Muslim, and Christian beliefs; St. Teresa’s sensual verse; and the mystical, healing words of Sufi poet Hafiz—these along with inspiring works by Rabia, Meister Eckhart, St. Thomas Aquinas, Mira, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and Tukaram are all “love poems by God” from writers considered “conduits of the divine.” Together, they form a spiritual treasure to cherish always.

It seems I am best at expressing my love for the Lord through music and poetry, and so out of that longing came the desire to pen "Poems for the Heart of God." I wanted to share something that gave me great joy and encouragement, with others. I wanted to write something that would implant a seed and inspire communication with our Master, especially as we begin our day. Oh, how important is a moment with Him before we step out into the fast-paced world we live in today! "Poems for the Heart of God" is a 366-day (including leap year) devotional with a scripture reading from His word, accompanied by a six-line poem for each day of the year. It is written in a way to receive from Him through scripture and a way to give back to Him in a personal heartfelt way. Each poem was written from my heart to His heart, acknowledging His love and care, as a Good Father, every day of life. Many like to look up their birthdays, their anniversaries, and other special days to see what God may have to say to them on that day. It is a daily seed planter of encouragement for my family and me to help us get off to a good start for the day. I pray it will be the same for you.

Poems from the Heart by Kera-Ann Keramidas is filled with different types of poems that express God's love, His creation, His presence, as well as relying upon His strength in every situation. Since she began college and over the last twenty-five years, the Spirit of the Lord has placed within the author's heart different words, causing her to write them down, and as she did, they would turn into words of poetry. Over the years, she has had over one hundred poems come to mind during both good and even hard times, which the Lord has used to help her rely more upon Him. That's why she wants to share them this way now that they would be used even more to comfort and encourage others as they have helped her to rely more upon God through every situation, big or small, and just praise the Lord for the many things He's created and done that remind her of His loving, caring presence. Remember, the Lord knows what's best and is always in control.

As you move through these pages, you will be encouraged, challenged and richly blessed as C.R. Lord calls on you to see God in every aspect of your life; from raising children to loving and serving God with your whole heart. As a reader, you will experience, with all of your senses, the very touch of God's Spirit sweeping through the pages, right into your heart. As you meditate on the beautiful thoughts contained in these poems, you will feel yourself lift above the mundane things in life as you are brought face-to-face with our Savior. From the Heart of a Servant is some of the most beautiful Christian poetry that exists today. You will feel awakened by the almighty as you journey through the breath-taking imagery, traditional verses, and very well-thought-out structured rime and meter; that only a true poet knows!

This is a collection of poems based mostly on scripture. It talks about creation and of Jesus birth, His life on this earth, His death and resurrection from death. It speaks of Gods love and care for us and that He wants to be close to us and wants us in heaven with him. The poems speak of nature and how all nature praises God. They tell of what it will be like at the end of time. They also give and idea of what it will be like in heaven and when the new earth is created.

Captivated By God's Love: Poems from the Heart will touch your heart and inspire you to draw closer to God. God loves us unconditionally and is shown through the cross; (Romans 5:8) "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." There is nothing you can do that can separate you from His love. Allow the Holy Spirit to touch your heart through these poems and reveal a love of God so great that He died in our place through Jesus Christ. He is faithful, compassionate, merciful, forgiving and His love never ends but always renews, reconciles and transforms. Be blessed by these poems and allow God to draw you closer to Himself as you read.

Poems of the Heart seeks to encourage and inspire in you. From recollections of a simpler time in life to a deep faith and trust in God whose love never fails, Poems of the Heart can, for a moment, take you away from the cares of life and lift you into Gods grace.