WOV #690, "Shall We Gather at the River"
Devotion
In this hymn, heaven's not so much a place as a feeling -- a cool, clear source of refreshment. It's the feeling of freedom as we let go of our guilt, our shame, our regret, our anger, our bitterness. It's the feeling of contentment as we realize that there are no more worries, no more war, no more sleepless nights, no more bad choices. It's the feeling of awe at finally meeting our creator and basking in his glory. It's the feeling of happiness as we are reunited with those we love, forever.
Does that sound good to you? It does to me. Shall we gather at the river? I can't think of anyplace I'd rather be for eternity.
Prayer
God, our Lord and king, you gather your saints together in your gracious love. Thank you for washing us clean from the stains and bruises and messes we make in our lives. Amen.