Skip to main content

“Down to the River” by Aaron Holder: Finding Peace in Prayer


Aaron Holder's "Down to the River" is a song of gratitude and self-discovery. The genre of the song is a blend of rock and roll guitar licks that seamlessly mix with backwoods rhythms and bluesy pop lyrics. Aaron takes the listener on a spiritual walk through nature to see God's grace in action. 

Aaron Holder - Down To The RiverThe song starts with a simple but symbolic declaration: "Down to the River to pray, I'm going down to the river to pray." It's a call to find peace and renewal through God's grace, and highlights the importance of prayer in our everyday lives. Within the imagery of towering oaks and the flowing river, Aaron shares that this is where he finds his purpose and counts his blessings every day. 

While Aaron borrows so much in style and lyrics from the Great American Songbook, it may come as a surprise to some that he's actually an observant Jew. "My spirituality is deeply rooted in Judaism," says Aaron. "I'm from the Tribe of Levi and they played the music in the Holy Temple." We know from experience that music unites people, and songs of worship and praise direct our focus to God. 

The refrain echoes a powerful truth: "The world's made for you, no one else can do what was meant for you." The refrain is a reminder that we all have a unique purpose under God's watchful eye. Realize that God doesn't ask us to understand His purpose… He asks us to trust Him. 

Aaron uses vivid imagery of birds singing praises and the winds to help us see God's grace and presence in nature. 

May this song invite you to pause, reflect, and embrace your blessings, and be grateful for life's gifts-the Gifts of a loving Father for you. Search for God's grace in the simple, beautiful moments of life, and keep faith during each step of your journey back to Him.

(Related scripture: Psalm 23:1-3; Isaiah 43:2; Philippians 4:6-7)

Connect with Aaron Holder

Would you like to hear more CCM music? Then check out our Christian playlists on: https://www.christiandance.eu/playlists

PS: Did you know that the posts we have on Christian Music Today also contain the backstories that artists have shared with us? Check it out on: https://christianmusictoday.eu/

Tags:

Popular posts

'Lonely Dirt Road' by Dax: A Journey to Solitude and God

Dax's 'Lonely Dirt Road' is a conversation that Dax has with himself and God. Dax shares his journey of turning mental health walks into healing solitary drives. As you listen, you can almost feel the cruise, where it's just you, your thoughts, and God.  The chorus is so relatable: 'When I need space, that's where I go, a place to escape that nobody knows.' What do you do when life's pressures stack high? Do you also have a space where you can let go? That lonely dirt road that Dax sings about symbolizes solitude, but it is also an incredible opportunity for connecting with God.  Dax's honesty is raw and relatable. 'I didn't want my family to see me cry… dealing with the pressure of trying to provide.' There are times when we all put on a smile to hide how challenging situations may be. Like his father, Dax says that he finds peace on this lonely road, where challenges become opportunities to grow. This shows the core of our faith: that...
More >>

Riley Clemmons - Stuck Inside My Head - Single Mix (CCM)

Riley Clemmons has released a Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) track called Stuck Inside My Head - Single Mix. The song 'Inside My Head' was born out of a season of pain and healing. As a result, the song has a way of speaking about life's difficulties that is accessible and relatable to everyone.  "As I was writing and dreaming up this record, "says Riley, "there was never a plan to create anything but honest music, born from hurting, growing, and healing. I collected songs for this body of work much like I collected every experience I found myself in the middle of over the past couple of years... the highs & lows, the conversations with God, the questions about my identity, the heartbreak, and the healing." Although the music addresses life's hurts, it does much more than that. The trials of life, according to Clemmons, are ordained by God so we can draw close to him. "The thread that began to connect them all quickly became the idea tha...
More >>

'Bless God' by Brooke Ligertwood: Immersing in an Ocean of Sacred Gratitude

In her uplifting contemporary Christian song 'Bless God,' Brooke Ligertwood beautifully encapsulates the heart's unwavering adoration for the divine, creating an anthem of praise that reverberates throughout the heavens and touches every soul on earth. It is a compelling call to immerse oneself in the validation and glory gifted by Jesus, our Savior. As the lyrics cascade from her voice, they etch a poignant, spiritual journey. 'Blessed are those who run to Him...He won't forsake them' she sings, illustrating the divine promise that we were never meant to walk our paths alone. With each verse, Brooke articulates the joy of surrendering and dedicating every moment of existence to Jesus— 'And for Him only...Oh Jesus, all for Your glory,' she proclaims. Her invitation to praise, framed with utmost sincerity, resonates deeply with an eager spirit, 'Come on and lift your voice with me... He's worthy of all our praise.' Such heartfelt declaratio...
More >>