As I went down to the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol' way and who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way!
O sisters let's go down
Lets go down, Come on down
O sisters lets go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol way
And who shall wear the robe & crown
Good Lord show me the way
O brothers lets go down
Let's go down, Come on down
O brothers lets go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol way
And who shall wear the star and crown?
Good lord show me the way
O fathers lets go down
Let's go down, Come on down
O fathers lets go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray studying about that good ol way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way
O mothers lets go down
Come on down, don't you wanna go down?
O Mothers lets go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studin about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the star and crown?
Good Lord show me the way
O sinners lets go down
Lets go down, come on down
O sinners lets go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studyin about that good ol way
And who shall wear the Robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way
Down To The River To Pray Video
Down To The River To Pray Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The hauntingly beautiful hymn "Down to the River to Pray" has captivated listeners for generations. Popularized by Alison Krauss in the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", this timeless spiritual carries a profound message of faith, repentance, and renewal. Moreover, we will discover how this song's message can be practically applied to our Christian walk.
1. The Meaning and Historical Significance:
"Down to the River to Pray" is a traditional spiritual song that holds great significance within the African-American community. It speaks of the practice of gathering at the river for prayer and baptism, symbolizing a desire for spiritual cleansing and salvation. The lyrics convey a plea for guidance from the Lord and a search for divine intervention. This song's power lies in its ability to touch the depths of our souls and lead us to seek solace and strength in the presence of God.
2. The Inspiration and Story Behind the Song:
While the specific origins of "Down to the River to Pray" remain uncertain, the song draws inspiration from the rich African-American spiritual tradition. These spirituals emerged during the era of slavery and were sung by enslaved individuals as a source of hope, comfort, and connection to God. The act of gathering at the river for prayer and baptism was not only a spiritual practice but also a means of finding community and unity amidst challenging circumstances.
3. Biblical References within the Song:
"Down to the River to Pray" beautifully encapsulates biblical themes of repentance, redemption, and spiritual renewal. Let's explore some Bible verses that align with the song's message:
a) Acts 16:13: "On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there." This verse reflects the practice of gathering at the river for prayer mentioned in the song.
b) Mark 1:9-11: "In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove." This passage highlights the significance of baptism and the divine presence experienced in the act.
c) Psalm 51:2: "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." This verse echoes the plea for cleansing and forgiveness found in the song.
4. Practical Application to Christian Living:
The timeless message of "Down to the River to Pray" holds valuable lessons for our Christian walk. Here are a few practical applications:
a) Seeking God's Guidance: Just as the lyrics express a desire for the Lord to show the way, we should continually seek God's guidance in our lives. Through prayer, scripture reading, and seeking wise counsel, we can align our paths with His will.
b) Repentance and Renewal: The song's emphasis on the river as a symbol of spiritual cleansing reminds us of the importance of repentance. We should regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and seek forgiveness from God. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of His grace and find renewal in our relationship with Him.
c) Community and Unity: The practice of gathering at the river in the song signifies the importance of community in our spiritual journey. As Christians, we thrive when we join together in fellowship, support one another, and pray for each other's needs. By fostering a sense of unity, we can grow stronger in our faith and fulfill the call to love and serve one another.
d) Baptism: The act of baptism, referenced in the song, symbolizes our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. If you haven't been baptized, consider the significance of this step and its representation of your faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:
"Down to the River to Pray" is more than just a song; it is a spiritual journey that resonates with believers across generations. Its profound message of faith, repentance, and renewal speaks to the depths of our souls. Through seeking God's guidance, embracing repentance, fostering community, and understanding the significance of baptism, we can practically apply the song's message to our Christian living. As we gather at the river of prayer, may we find solace, strength, and a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.
