Scripture Verse

As often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you show the Lord’s death till He come. 1 Corinthians 11:26

Introduction

Words: Sam­uel Kin­ner, 1638 (Herr Je­su Christ, du hast be­reit). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Ema­nu­el Cron­en­wett, in the Ohio Lu­ther­an Hym­nal, 1880, num­ber 265, alt.

Music: Du Lif­vets Bröd Pe­ter Soh­ren, 1668 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Kin­ner or Sohr­en (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Emanuel Cronenwett (1841–1931)

Lyrics

Lord Je­sus Christ, Thou hast prepared
A feast for our sal­va­tion,
It is Thy body and Thy blood;
And at Thy invitation
As weary souls, with sin oppressed,
We come to Thee for needed rest,
For comfort, and for pardon.

Although Thou didst to Heav’n as­cend,
Where angel hosts are dwelling,
And in Thy presence they behold
Thy glo­ry, all excelling,
And though Thy people shall not see
Thy glo­ry and Thy majesty
Till dawns the Judgment morning.

Yet, Sav­ior, Thou art not confined
To any habitation,
But Thou art present ev­ery­where
And with Thy congregation.
Firm as a rock this truth shall stand,
Unmoved by any daring hand
Or subtle craft and cunning.

We eat this bread and drink this cup,
Thy precious Word be­liev­ing
That Thy true body and Thy blood
Our lips are here receiving.
This word remains for­ev­er true,
And there is naught Thou canst not do;
For Thou, Lord, art al­migh­ty.

Though reason cannot understand
Yet faith this truth embraces;
Thy body, Lord, is ev­ery­where
At once in many places.
How this can be I leave to Thee,
Thy Word alone sufficeth me,
I trust its truth unfailing.

Lord, I believe what Thou hast said,
Help me when doubts assail me;
Remember that I am but dust
And let my faith not fail me.
Thy supper in this vale of tears
Refreshes me and stills my fears
And is my priceless treasure.

Grant that we worthily receive
Thy supper, Lord, our Sav­ior,
And, truly grieving o’er our sins,
May prove by our behavior
That we are thankful for Thy grace
And day by day may run our race,
In holiness increasing.

For Thy consoling supper, Lord,
Be praised throughout all ages!
Preserve it, for in every place
The world against it rages.
Grant that this sacrament may be
A blessèd comfort unto me
When living and when dying.