Shall We Gather At The River (ELW 423)
1 Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain:
Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
2 On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. [Refrain]
3 Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we ev’ry burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. [Refrain]
4 Soon we’ll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. [Refrain]
Devotion
Thanks to “A Prairie Home Companion,” old hymns received a new hearing on public radio. Interesting that even gathered in a secular place people still remembered by heart the words of gospel hymns learned in youth. Some of them bring smiles, others reflect former times that were down to earth and without distractions, a rich musical heritage. There are fun gospel gems to discover on a spring Sunday, like “Life is a Ballgame, Bein’ played each day” by Sister Wynona Carr. Give it a listen!
While we can love the rhythms and chord changes of the latest music, there is a wonderful sense of belonging found in hymns sung for generations. I remember today’s hymn as our synod assembly theme, as we gathered on a bright spring morning along the banks of the Columbia River in Eastern Washington—bringing reflections on Native peoples, salmon, pioneers, glittering fresh water and wilderness. Old hymn, new setting.
Prayer
Creator Lord, you gather us together to sing your praises. In the harmony of faith, invite all the world to sing with us in song, as we respect and honor each other and the unique voices, rhythms and changes we bring to this grand song of life. Amen.