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Shall We Gather?

Shall We Gather?

Inspiration MinistriesBy Inspiration Ministries•2 Minutes

Robert Lowry had a gift for communication. Born in March 1826 in Philadelphia, he displayed these skills as a professor of literature. A committed believer, he went on to become a minister and musician. But nothing prepared him for what happened to him one afternoon in July 1864 when he was pastor of a church in Brooklyn, New York.

Later he recalled, “the weather was oppressively hot,” and he felt exhausted. Suddenly, his “imagination began to take itself wings.” Scenes from the Bible came alive “with startling vividness.” He pictured scenes from Revelation including the “pure water of life, clear as crystal.”

Inspired by these images, a question came to him: “Shall We Gather at the River?” He expanded this thought into a hymn with this title. He pictured the day when all the saints will gather in Heaven. It will be a glorious time as “we will walk and worship ever.” There, we will lay every burden down and receive our “robe and crown.” We’ll see our Savior’s face and sing of His grace. Soon, “our pilgrimage will cease” and “our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.”

Don’t give up when you face problems. In Heaven, “there will no longer be any curse,” and “there will no longer be any night” (vs. 3-4). Be encouraged because Jesus is “coming quickly” (v. 7). God has prepared a place for you. Stay faithful. Continue to serve Him!
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Inspiration Ministries

Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

Each year, more than three million people respond to the Gospel through Inspiration Ministries' global outreach.

The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

As a nonprofit ministry, Inspiration Ministries offers planned giving and legacy giving resources to help supporters extend their Gospel impact through long-term stewardship and estate planning.

Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

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