River of Gladness
Flowing through the city now is a River of Gladness.
Make glad my heart.
Fill every voice with song.
Through the streets and through the years there’s a River of Gladness.
When times are dry, it carries us along.
Unfailing Love, we dwell within your valley of delight.
River of Gladness, River of Joy.
Unfailing Love, our home upon your banks shall not be moved.
River of Gladness, River of Joy.
Flowing through the city now is a River of Mercy.
Soften each heart with kindness that abides.
Through the streets and through the years there’s a River of Mercy.
Recharge us all; forgiveness be our guide.
Unfailing Love, we dwell within your valley of delight.
River of Mercy, River of Joy.
Unfailing Love, our home upon your banks shall not be moved.
River of Mercy, River of Joy.
Flowing through the city now is a River of Healing.
Reform each heart with gentle peace, we pray.
Through the streets and through the years there’s a River of Healing.
Rise in us now, that we repair this day.
Unfailing Love, we dwell within your valley of delight.
River of Healing, River of Joy.
Unfailing Love, our home upon your banks shall not be moved.
River of Healing, River of Joy.
Flowing through the city now is a River of Welcome.
Stir every heart to set a place for all.
Through the streets and through the years there’s a River of Welcome.
Throw wide the doors, and sound that welcome call.
Unfailing Love, we dwell within your valley of delight.
River of Welcome, River of Joy.
Unfailing Love, our home upon your banks shall not be moved.
River of Welcome, River of Joy.
Words and music by Bret Hesla. Written on commission for Faith Mennonite Church on their 50th Anniversary. © 2011 Bret Hesla. All rights reserved. Use with permission, please.
Licensed via OneLicense.net. Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com.
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Minneapolis sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, whose broad majestic valley cuts through the metro area. The river lies 100 feet below the level of the neighborhood where Faith Mennonite church is located. I think of the beauty of this great river, of the colors of fall, of the ice sheets of winter, of the barges creeping up stream in spring, the water birds, the rowing crews. We drink the water (treated). We water our lawns. We fish down there. They even cool building with it. This is a river it’s a privilege to be next to.