The Role of Poetry in Worship

Abstract

"In trying to define poetry, one thing is largely true - that poetry tends to use few words to express a multitude of meanings, a complex of symbols, which would require much lengthier prose to explain. In the above extract, Corita Kent expresses much of what I aim to say more expansively in this exploration of the role of poetry in worship. Worship could be defined as an attempt to 'get hold of things mysterious'. This phrase contains that sense in which, in worship, a congregation gathers to express the barely expressible. It addresses the aspect of worship whereby a congregation gathers to give voice to a deeply-felt faith, to reaffirm deeply-held beliefs, or to attempt to feel a tentative faith, to try to make sense of nascent beliefs. By partaking in liturgies which shape these expressions, the 'mysteries' of the faith are encountered and in some way (or various ways) understood. Our encounter with God in worship is a mystery which we attempt to 'get hold of' by 'inventing something definite', by using words in prayer, song and sermon, which clarify and inform. These doctrinal statements help the believer to find shape in their belief, but cannot express the whole experience of that belief"