Shall We Gather at the River
A pastoral question-and-answer hymn looking to the river of life in glory.
Download PDFA pastoral question-and-answer hymn looking to the river of life in glory. Written by Robert Lowry (1864), set to the tune "Hanson Place" by Robert Lowry.
Suggested pairing scripture
Revelation 22:1
"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."
Read Revelation 22:1 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Shall We Gather at the River." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing in regular congregational worship, in family devotions, and any time the heart turns to God in song.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
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.
Stanza 2
On the margin of the river, Washing up its silver spray, We will walk and worship ever, All the happy, golden day.
Stanza 3
Ere we reach the shining river, Lay we every burden down; Grace our spirits will deliver, And provide a robe and crown.
Stanza 4
Soon we'll reach the silver river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace.
History & Background
Pastor Robert Lowry of Hanson Place Baptist Church, Brooklyn wrote both words and music in July 1864 during a sweltering heat wave that was killing many in his congregation. Meditating on Revelation 22:1-2, the picture of the saints gathering at the river of life came to him along with the melody, all in one sitting.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Revelation 22:1
"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."Read in context
Revelation 7:17
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Robert Lowry to write this hymn?
A deadly heat wave in July 1864 was claiming many of his Brooklyn congregation. While meditating on Revelation 22's river of life, the question 'Shall we meet at the river of life?' came to him, and the song flowed out at once.
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "Shall We Gather at the River"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
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