Introduction
“Shall We Gather At The River” is a popular Christian hymn written by Robert Lowry in 1864. The hymn has been sung in many churches around the world and is considered to be one of the most popular hymns of all time. The lyrics of the hymn describe a peaceful and serene gathering at a river, where all believers will meet to worship and praise God.
The History of the Hymn
The hymn was written by Robert Lowry, a prominent American Baptist minister and composer. Lowry was born in 1826 in Philadelphia and began his career as a pastor in 1854. He wrote many hymns during his lifetime, but “Shall We Gather At The River” is considered to be his most famous work.
The hymn was first published in 1864 in a collection of songs called “Happy Voices.” It quickly became popular and was soon adopted by many churches around the world.
The Lyrics of the Hymn
The lyrics of “Shall We Gather At The River” are simple and easy to sing. The first verse goes like this:
Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
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.
The second verse of the hymn is equally beautiful:
On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will walk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.
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.
The Meaning of the Hymn
The hymn is a celebration of the Christian faith and a reminder of the eternal life that awaits believers. The river in the hymn represents the river of life that flows from the throne of God, and the gathering of believers represents the ultimate reunion with God and all of his saints.
The Legacy of the Hymn
“Shall We Gather At The River” has had a lasting impact on Christian music and worship. The hymn has been recorded by many artists and has been featured in countless church services and religious events.
The hymn is also often sung at funerals and memorial services as a reminder of the hope and peace that believers have in Christ.
Conclusion
“Shall We Gather At The River” is a beautiful and inspiring hymn that has touched the hearts of countless believers over the years. The hymn is a reminder of the eternal life that awaits us all and the hope and peace that we have in Christ.
