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
I love rivers for their irrepressible force; I admire water that is going somewhere. This summer, our congregation met for worship near the mouth of the St. Louis River, where it empties into Lake Superior-one grand pitcher of silver water pouring into an even grander baptismal bowl. We sang "Gather with the saints by the river that flows by the throne of God" as evening light burnished treetops like torches, and birds danced to our song in the breeze above.
Come Sunday morning, the Church looks a little like that river, small tributaries streaming from various walks of life, all flowing together to worship. We too are a moving, irrepressible force, changing and yet united in our destination. Christ's Spirit draws us from ponds and puddles to create a beautiful baptismal sea, purified, plentiful and poured out for the entire world to be watered and nourished.
Prayer
Creator God, as you hovered over the face of the deep at creation; hover in protection over your children as we swim amid the world's chaos. Pour out your power on all the baptized. Linger in blessing over those who have yet to know you. May the entire world be refreshed and renewed by a baptism in the Spirit. Amen.