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
Peace Like A River Video
Peace Like A River Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Peace Like a River" is a song performed by Dolly Parton and Dionne Warwick. The song was first released in 1979 as a part of the album "Dionne" by Dionne Warwick. It is a beautiful and uplifting song that speaks about finding peace and comfort in God's love and grace.
Key Messages of the Song
The song "Peace Like a River" conveys several key messages that are centered around finding peace and solace in God's presence. Let's explore these messages chronologically from the lines:
1. "Peace like a river, bathe me in your holy stream": The opening line sets the tone for the song by comparing peace to a flowing river. It expresses the desire to be immersed in God's presence and be cleansed by His holy stream. This line suggests that finding peace is not simply a passive experience but requires actively seeking and surrendering to God's will.
2. "Point me in the right direction, use me as you think you should": The second line emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's guidance and allowing Him to direct our paths. It acknowledges that God knows what is best for us and invites Him to use us according to His divine plan.
3. "And may I be a great reflection of the things that's right and good": This line speaks to the desire to reflect God's goodness and righteousness in our lives. It suggests that finding peace is not only about personal well-being but also about living in a way that glorifies God and positively impacts others.
4. "He's the answer to our questions, to our prayers, to all things": This line highlights the belief that God is the ultimate answer to all our questions and prayers. It acknowledges His sovereignty and omnipotence, emphasizing that finding peace ultimately comes from a deep relationship with Him.
5. "He is forgiveness to all confessions, provider of all needs": This line emphasizes God's role as the source of forgiveness and provider of our needs. It suggests that true peace can be found in receiving and extending forgiveness, as well as trusting in God's provision.
6. "And he is hope in desperation, comfort to the soul and mind": This line speaks to the transformative power of God's hope and comfort in times of desperation. It suggests that finding peace involves turning to God in times of trouble and relying on His strength to bring solace to our souls and minds.
7. "His hand is ever-reaching, and his joy beyond compare": This line highlights God's constant presence and His willingness to reach out to us. It suggests that finding peace involves recognizing and embracing God's love and joy, which surpasses any worldly happiness.
8. "Oh, peace like a river, flowin' on, sweet peace": The repetition of the phrase "peace like a river" reinforces the central theme of the song. It reminds us that true peace is not fleeting but flows continuously, like a river, when we are connected to God.
Meaning of the Song and Inspiration
The song "Peace Like a River" is a spiritual and deeply meaningful composition that draws inspiration from Christian faith. It speaks to the longing for inner peace and the recognition that such peace can only be found in God. The song encourages listeners to seek God's presence, surrender to His will, and trust in His provision.
The inspiration behind the song may stem from the biblical concept of peace that is mentioned throughout the Scriptures. In the Bible, peace is often associated with God's presence and is described as a state of wholeness, harmony, and well-being. The song echoes these biblical themes by emphasizing the need for God's guidance, forgiveness, and comfort in order to experience true peace.
Biblical Analysis
When analyzing the song "Peace Like a River" from a biblical perspective, we can find several references that align with the teachings of Scripture. Let's explore some of these references:
1. Peace Like a River: The metaphor of peace being compared to a river is reminiscent of biblical passages such as Isaiah 48:18, which says, "Oh, that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." This verse suggests that following God's commandments leads to peace that flows abundantly.
2. God's Guidance: The song emphasizes the importance of being directed by God and surrendering to His will. This aligns with Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The lyrics reflect the biblical wisdom of relying on God's guidance rather than relying solely on our own understanding.
3. God's Provision: The song acknowledges God as the provider of all needs. This aligns with Matthew 6:31-33, where Jesus encourages His followers not to worry about their material needs but to seek first the kingdom of God, knowing that God will provide for them. The lyrics echo the biblical truth that finding peace involves trusting in God's provision.
4. God's Forgiveness: The song acknowledges God's forgiveness and its role in finding peace. This aligns with 1 John 1:9, which says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The lyrics reflect the biblical principle that true peace comes from receiving and extending forgiveness.
5. God's Comfort: The song speaks of God's comfort to the soul and mind in times of desperation. This aligns with Psalm 23:4, which says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." The lyrics echo the biblical truth that finding peace involves seeking God's comfort and trusting in His presence.
In conclusion, "Peace Like a River" by Dolly Parton and Dionne Warwick is a powerful and uplifting song that conveys the message of finding peace and solace in God's love and grace. The song emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance, trusting in His provision, and finding comfort in His presence. From a biblical perspective, the song aligns with key teachings on peace, God's guidance, provision, forgiveness, and comfort. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's peace in our lives and encourages us to seek Him as the ultimate source of true peace and contentment.
