Lyrics
Dionne Warwick & Dolly Parton Lyrics
Peace like a river
Bathe me in your holy stream
In your soothing, living waters
Flood my soul and wash me clean
Point me in the right direction
Use me as you think you should
And may I be a great reflection
Of the things that's right and good
Mmm (peace like a river)
Peace like a river
Oh yeah (peace like a river)
He's the answer to our questions
To our prayers, to all things
He is forgiveness to all confessions
Provider of all needs
And he is hope (Yes, he is)
In desperation (Oh, yes)
Comfort to the soul and mind
Well, he's our God and our connection
To a land that transcends time
His hand (his hand)
Is ever-reaching (ever-reaching)
And his joy, beyond compare
Oh, his prayers are ever-teaching
And his burden, a light to bear
He is there and ever-willing
To lead us through the darkest night (Through the darkest night)
And his love is ever-giving
And his son, the guiding light (peace like a river)
Oh, peace like a river
Flowin' on (peace like a river)
Sweet peace (peace like a river)
Sweet peace
Wash me down, Lord
Oh, wash me clean, Lord, wash me clean (Wash me, Lord)
Baptize me in your living water
He's the answer (He is the answer)
To our questions (To our questions)
To our prayers and to all peace
He's the healer of imperfections
The provider of all needs
And He is hope (He is hope)
In desperation (Desperation)
Comfort to the soul and mind (Soul and mind)
He is peace (He's peace)
Like a river (Like a river)
He is yours (He's yours)
And he is mine (He's mine)
He's yours
He's mine
Peace like a river
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Peace Like A River is a prayer for cleansing, direction, and a life that reflects what is right and good. The river image presents divine peace as active rather than distant: it bathes, flows, washes, and carries living water into the soul. God is praised as the answer to prayer, the giver of forgiveness, the source of hope in desperation, and the provider of daily needs.
The song also joins comfort with discipleship. Its prayer to be directed and used places peace alongside obedience, while the image of a light burden recalls Christ’s invitation to find rest under his teaching. References to baptism and living water add themes of renewal and spiritual life. The duet repeatedly moves between individual confession and shared affirmation, portraying God’s help as both personal and available beyond one voice. Its central claim is sustained throughout: divine peace can endure darkness, meet need, cleanse imperfection, and guide the soul toward lasting hope.
Related Scripture
- Isaiah 66:12 God promises to extend peace like a river to his people.
- John 7:37-38 Jesus speaks of living water flowing from those who come to him in faith.
- Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus offers rest and describes his burden as light.