Scripture Verse

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16–17

Introduction

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Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spir­it­u­al Songs, Book 3, 1709. Com­mun­ion with Christ, and with saints.

Music: Schu­mann, from Can­ti­ca Laud­is, by Lo­well Ma­son & George J. Webb (New York: Ma­son & Law, 1850) (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Lowell Mason
1792–1872

Lyrics

Jesus invites His saints
To meet around His board;
Here pardoned rebels sit and hold
Communion with their Lord.

For food He gave His flesh,
He bids us drink His blood;
Amazing favor! matchless grace
Of our descending God!

This holy bread and wine
Maintains our fainting breath,
By union with our living Lord,
And interest in His death.

Our heav’nly Father calls
Christ and His members one;
We the young children of His love,
And He the first-born Son.

We are but several parts
Of the same broken bread;
One body hath its several limbs,
But Jesus is the Head.

Let all our powers be joined
His glorious name to raise;
Pleasure and love fill every mind,
And every voice be praise.