River Hymns

While Charles was visiting  we listened to his collection of music from his phone.   Having grown up in the church and attending many Sunday afternoon singings with my grandmother, I have a love for old southern gospel hymns.  It was a treat to hear  Down to the River to Pray sung by Alison Krauss.  

Down to the River to Pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
(And who shall wear) the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O sisters let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
O sisters let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
(And who shall wear) the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O brothers let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
Come on brothers let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
(And who shall wear) the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O fathers let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
O fathers let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
(And who shall wear) the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O mothers let's go down,
Come on down, don't you want to go down,
Come on mothers, let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
(And who shall wear) the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O sinners let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
O sinners let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
(And who shall wear) the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

We started talking about Sunday mornings of our childhood to discover a common memory  watching the Gospel Jubilee on television before going to church.  I could only remember one other hymn mentioning a river--Shall we Gather at the River--although I am sure there are more.  
  
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.

On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will talk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

Refrain

Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

Refrain

At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Savior’s face,
Saints, whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.

Refrain

Soon we’ll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.



Refrain

Love hearing these old tunes and traveling down memory lane...



John 1:4-5     Hebrews 12:3