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Faith in Poetry

Ahead of National Poetry Day, Aled Jones explores the art of putting faith into words through the poetry of the Bible, favourite hymns and the work of Christian spoken word artist Storm Cecile.\n\nIn St Giles in the Fields, popularly known as the 'Poets' Church', in London, Aled discusses with Christian poet John Greening how faith and poetry have gone hand in hand for centuries. Aled finds out about the poets that have inspired John and hears some of his work. John also introduces a hymn composed by one of his favourite writers, William Cowper.\n\nAled meets with Dr Daniel Johnson, an expert on the life and work of Sir Isaac Watts, one of the most prolific British hymn writers, whose 350th birthday is being celebrated this year. Daniel takes Aled through the poetry of one of his most enduring hymns, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, to explore how Watts wrote his hymns in a way that would excite the passions of the singer.\n\nAnd Christian performance artist Storm Cecile shares her story of coming to faith in a moment of crisis, and how this pushed her creative journey forwards. We hear a poem from Storm that draws on biblical inspiration to offer a hopeful message of the grace and love of God.\n\nWith music to celebrate the poetry of beloved hymns:\n\n1. O Worship the King (Psalm 104) - Glasgow Cathedral\n2. God Moves in a Mysterious Way - St David's Church, Exeter\n3. Jesus Shall Reign - Inverness Cathedral\n4. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - St Patrick's Church, Dungannon\n5. Psalm 23 / All We Ask Medley - Kudos\n6. O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go - St Martin’s Church, Stamford

Source: BBC 1