Psalms of Gratitude and Prayer

If part of the reason for half-empty pews in our churches is the white-knuckle grip we have on overused terminology, Psalms of Gratitude and Prayer almost always finds a fresh vocabulary for such terms. But that is only one element in its success. These poems also communicate with a healthy dash of images, usually the lifeblood of poetry that pleases. It is not an easy thing to accomplish, but the author has done it. This book also offers a majority of poems that both scan and rhyme, an added handicap for a poet, but one that he seems to delight in. Besides, as Robert Frost once said, writing poetry without rhyme is like playing tennis without a net.John Brugaletta's poems regularly bring me delight with occasionally some searching of conscience. But perhaps the greatest value of these compositions is the way the metaphors stimulate both my mind and emotions to envision the world and my experiences in it in new and insightful ways.--Ed Curtis, Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Studies, Talbot School of Theology, La Mirada, CAThese are poems to savor for their luxuriant language and for the unexpected perspectives they offer. Brugaletta is the heir of the metaphysical poets--able, like Donne, to invent surprising conceits to explore common human experiences and, like Herbert, to use the homely and familiar to probe complex spiritual realities. By turns wry and reflective, the poems in this collection invite us to know ourselves and to value the alchemy that turns knowledge into wisdom. --Patricia L. Hamilton, Winner of the 2015 Rash Award in Poetry; author of The Distance to Nightfall   Brugaletta's contemporary and accessible book of psalms is a delightful, thoughtful, and inspirational guide for Christians in their devotions.--Charles A. Dominick, retired vice president for advancement, Wittenberg UniversityBrugaletta's poetry is an always-welcome treat, bringing back and creating memories all at once. His faith and faithful poetic ruminations are on full and glorious display in Psalms of Gratitude and Prayer. From 'Teach Us to Pray' to 'Finis' and 'Dancing with God' in between, Brugaletta gives faith the significant examination it deserves, gracefully making the lessons of his own faith journey accessible to us all.--Don Schatz, Pastor, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Kenmore, WAJohn J. Brugaletta is Professor Emeritus at California State University, Fullerton. He is the author of three previous collections of poetry, in addition to two books on Christianity: Discovering the Way of Wisdom, and Scripture's Heroes and Villains. He lives on the northernmost coast of California with his wife Claudia.