O Healing River - Shenandoah Christian Music Camp
Description
"O Healing River," traditional melody, arr. Lloyd Kauffman. Sung at the 17th Annual Choral Festival 2024 of Shenandoah Christian Music Camp (VA). Conducted by Wendell Nisly.
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The Historic Faith · Hymn Companion
O Healing River
Words by Fran MinkoffMusic by Traditional melodyWritten 1964Tune HEALING RIVER
O healing river,
send down your waters,
send down your waters
upon this land.
O healing river,
send down your waters,
and wash the blood
from off the sand.
Story Behind the Song
Fran Minkoff wrote “O Healing River” in 1964, during the American civil-rights era, as a prayer for cleansing, peace, and social healing in a land marked by violence and injustice. The text is commonly sung to a traditional melody, with various choral and congregational arrangements in circulation. Its imagery of a healing river connects biblical water-of-life language with the prophetic call for justice.
Scripture
Found In
Hymnal: A Worship Book, The New Century Hymnal, Voices Together