Shenandoah Christian Music Camp have sung a heartfelt rendition of the hymn ‘Down in the River.’
The song was sung at the 10th Annual Choral Festival 2015 of Shenandoah Christian Music Camp (VA) and was conducted by Wendell Nisly.
“Down in the River” is a traditional American gospel song and its direct source is unknown but research says that it was composed by an African-American slave.
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
The song is often sung at outdoor baptisms and full immersion baptisms. Many slave songs had coded messages for escaping and whenever they would escape, they would walk in the river as it would cover their body odor from the bounty-hunters’ dogs.
“Good Lord, show me the way” could have been a prayer to God for guidance to find the escape route from where they were being held.
O sisters, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
We are blessed this morning as we listen to Shenandoah Christian Music Camp sing ‘Down In The River,’ we are reminded that we need to pray and ask the Lord for direction in every matter concerning our lives.
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