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/

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...

"Turn to You" by Mike Cunningham: A Veterinarian's Worship Journey

Mike Cunningham is a veterinarian from Ohio. He traded his country tunes for worship music after discovering God's call on his life. In this debut single, "Turn to You," Cunningham explores what it means to seek God in a world that is so clouded by chaos and lies. He boldly asks the question, "In a world so torn with darkness, can a miracle set us free?" Looking at the chaos and mess around us, a situation that makes life feel quite overwhelming for many, it's His miracle that truly gives us hope. Cunningham reminds us that Jesus isn't just a distant figure that once walked on water and healed the blind, He is there for you and walks by your side. He is ready to guide you (if you let Him), even through your darkest nights. When everything is shaking beneath your feet, He is the one that you can lean on. "You are the way, the truth, and the light," bringing the clarity that we desperately need in our lives today.  May this song turn your gaze ...

"Compass (Phileo)" by Chelsea Chaisson: Navigating Life with Faith and Friends

"Compass (Phileo)" by Chelsea Chaisson explores one of the Greek words for love. This song focuses on "phileo" (friendship) and its vital role in life's storms. "Phileo" translates to love that is characterized by affection, fondness, and friendship. It's a warm, tender, and affectionate bond, often seen between friends, siblings, or within a community. It's more about the natural affection we have for those who are close to us.  Chelsea wrote this song when she returned home after living in Cambodia for two years. Faith brought her to Cambodia, sustained her there, and guided her back, but the journey left her feeling like "a little boat" lost in raging seas. At times we may feel like, "I'm drowning, drowning treading water in the wind // I'm drowning, drowning I could use a friend." It's a cry for connection, a reminder that we all need someone to anchor us when fear starts to take over. The fears and lies tha...