As Rivers Flow from a Distant Spring (All Creation Sings 1046)
1 As rivers flow from a distant spring
to quench our thirst and feed the earth,
so let our lives flow from you our Source,
to counter death and nurture birth.
2 As trees rise up from the forest floor
by roots that feed each limb above,
so let our lives rise in praise to you
from hearts we root in your deep love.
3 As woods make shelter within its shade
for beasts to feed and birds to nest,
so let our lives be a sheltered space,
a refuge for the worn to rest.
4 So let us praise you, Creator God,
for worlds that witness to your care,
that show your presence in ev’ry place,
your glory shining ev’rywhere.
Text: David Bjorlin, b. 1984
Text © 2020 GIA Publications, Inc., giamusic.com. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
License for congregational use available from OneLicense.
Note: “As Rivers Flow from a Distant Spring” was written to honor the retirement of Dr. Phil Anderson, Professor of Church History, from North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL. Dr. David Bjorlin is Assistant Professor of Worship at NPTS, and the Rev. William Beckstrand (M.Div. ‘93) is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hovland, Minnesota.
Devotion
As we stood in the parking lot, the hike to the summit of Bear Butte, on the northeastern edge of the Black Hills, did not look difficult. However, it’s a steep two miles to the top, an exhausting hike on that hot, sunny day. We passed many small prayer bundles of tobacco tied to tree limbs with red, white, black, and yellow ribbons. An eagle soared overhead, blessing our journey. We were on a religious pilgrimage. Near the base of the Butte, Spring Creek carries water to larger rivers and, finally, to the distant ocean. A holy place for Lakota and Northern Cheyenne, it was a holy place for us that day, where we gained a sense of our lives flowing from our Source. The stream quenches the thirst of nearby worshippers and feeds the earth. The Spirit is there to quench our thirst and feed our souls. It was a place of rest.
Prayer
Creator God, in times of trouble, lead us to sheltered places, give us a refuge, and let us rest. Amen.