Deep Calls Unto Deep: Passionate Prayer Poems
By David Gumlia
Reviewed by Theresa Harvard Johnson
“When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” – John F. Kennedy
This former president understood the impact of poetry upon a man’s consciousness. It’s no surprise that for centuries, societies around the world has valued its existence. They have embraced its ability to describe a generation and capture cultural sentiment. They have welcomed its observance of the depths of love and the intense magnitude of loss. They’ve even watched poetry evolve, capturing beauty in ways that can only be complimented by the limitless expression of art, music and dance. Poetry is an art form that is without limitations and one that always has an audience – even if that audience is of one.
In his debut poetry collection, Deep Calls Unto Deep: Passionate Prayer Poems, author David Gumlia takes readers on a 31-day journey into revealing conversation between himself and our Father in Heaven of which 21 of the poems were written in 28 days. With a pen dipped in prayer, he explains how the Spirit of the Lord whispered “juxtaposing phrases in his heart, weaving metaphors” so intricate that the expression was beyond his comprehension, especially since he had never written poetry and had not read a poem since his freshman year of college some forty-six years ago.
Each poem, for those who believe fully in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, tells the story of how each one of us can have a relationship with the Lord that is so intimate and intense – that we will be left standing assured of existence, presence and love concerning us. Gumlia’s approach to writing this book is as unique as the poems inside. Each poetic expression is followed by thought provoking meditation, counsel, wisdom and scripture references that brings clarity to the specific points in each poem that he desires the readers to capture. Many books of poetry leaves the readers alone with their interpretation; but in Deep Calls Unto Deep: Passionate Prayer Poems, Gumlia guides them – assuring that the purpose for which they were written is not lost.
He covers many topics concerning his faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ including his sufferings, sacrifice, and sovereignty; and even steps into areas where he addresses humility, purpose, destiny and overcoming depression and hopelessness. The title itself is derived from Psalm 42:7 which says, “Deep calls unto deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers have and waves have gone over me.” To convey his inspiration even further, the cover art displays a man standing on an oceans shore surrounding by the boundless ocean with no obvious beginning or end. It’s easy to interpret that Gumlia wants his readers to know this simple truth: “There is no measurable height or depth to the majesty and Glory of our Father, His son Jesus Christ and that of His Spirit.”
Gumlia, poet and speaker, is the father of six grown children, three grandchildren and a former PGA touring golf professional now residing in Virginia. His dramatic conversion in 2004 has led to a radical change in his life. To order copies of this book write to: Overflowing Heart, PO Box 283, Warm Springs, Virginia 24484 or email davidgwriter@yahoo.com. Price: $10.95 S/H $3.00
