This post is part of our series on resources for the Season of Creation, 2026. See also Carol Meier’s reflection on “Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty” by Delores Dufner, OSB, and songs suggested for Earth Day. Stay tuned for a post on our newest releases on creation themes.
If I were to assemble a new hymnal, I’d be sure to include a heading on “water” in the index. Water is splashed across the pages of Scripture, after all. From the first chapter to the last—from the waters of Creation to the river of the Water of Life—we tell a saturated story.
Under that hymnal heading, I’d surely include a recent text by Hannah Brown, In the Beginning, set to a flowing melody by Kate Williams. As the title suggests, the hymn takes us to Genesis, hearkening not only to the Creation accounts but to the story of Noah. We are invited to sing of water’s life-giving and destructive powers. The text reminds us of the beautiful world God has given us, but also calls us to reflection about the choices we make within that world.
I might also include David Gambrell’s text We Thirst for You, O God, set with Lee Dengler’s new tune, ENDLESS STREAM. The experience of thirst reminds us that water is an intimate part of all of us. Water not only courses through the mountains and streams of earth—it runs through our veins. Gambrell’s text reminds me of Isaiah 55, and the way God knows our thirst and responds.
I’d probably include one of my own hymns, too. “In Living Waters,” was inspired by words written above a fifth century baptistry in Rome. Through it, we pray that the Church might “wash clear all lies with waves of truth,” even as with sing with Amos about justice rolling down to drench all things.
Jacque Jones’ text I Am the Bringer of Living Water, calls upon the story of the woman at the well in John’s gospel, but also brings into view the water with which Pilate washed his hands. She reminds us of Jesus’ own thirst, as well. You’ll find this text on Unbound, paired with a recent tune by Benjamin Brody, or with the more familiar BUNESSAN.
With Adam Tice’s text, I Saw a River Flowing (with another lovely tune by Ben Brody), we make our way to the ultimate vision of hope in Revelation. And what a vision it is:
May we all get caught up in that glorious river – and splash and sing together in God’s grace. What water hymns and songs might you add to my index?
Chris Shelton is a Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer.