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HARK VALLEY by Sophia  Campbell

HARK VALLEY

by Sophia Campbell

ISBN: 978-1-9736-8763-4
Publisher: Westbow Press

A collection offers prayers and poetry for Christian reflection and meditation.

In this volume, Campbell lays bare her feelings of awe, praise, inadequacy, and determination toward God in unrhymed verse, akin to what readers might find in a prayer book. The work is separated into three parts: “My Song of Praises for You,” “My Songs of Victory for You,” and “My Songs of Redemption for You.” Referring to herself as “your maidservant” throughout, the author presents what seem to be her personal prayers of exultation, thanksgiving, and beseeching. She acknowledges God’s presence in her life “from when I was in my mother’s womb,” voicing her understanding that she was always destined to follow him. She asks for God’s intercession against her enemy, “a liar” who “searches for flaws, / weaknesses, opportunities.” She asks God to “guide your daughter,” reminding him that she is “feeble” and wants direction to do his will. She admits there are times when she feels distant from God, acknowledging that even though she strives to serve him, her “faith is tested.” The prayers are paired with rudimentary, uncredited pencil drawings that show crucifixes, reaching hands, and kneeling figures. Though Campbell’s heartfelt pieces are her supplications to God, they avoid becoming overly personal, reading like prayers one might find accompanying church readings or intended for use as daily meditations. They are clearly written and in keeping with Christian teaching. But their themes and subjects are fairly standard. Because the thoughtful collection refers to Jesus’ sacrifices and suffering on the cross, the work is most appropriate for observant Christians.

A lucid volume of prayers and poems with familiar themes for Christian readers.