Scripture Verse

I am the living bread which came down from Heaven: If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:51

Introduction

portrait
Johann Rist (1607–1667)

Words: Jo­hann Rist, 1654, cen­to (Du Le­bens­brot, Herr Je­su Christ). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Ar­thur T. Rus­sell, 1851, alt.

Music: Herr, wie du willst Mat­thä­us Grei­ter, 1524 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

Lord Je­sus Christ, Thou living bread,
May I for mine possess Thee.
I would with heav’nly food be fed;
Descend, refresh, and bless me.
Now make me meet for Thee, O Lord;
Now, humbly by my heart implored,
Grant me Thy grace and mercy.

Thou me to pastures green dost guide,
To quiet waters lead me;
Thy table Thou dost well provide
And from Thy hand dost feed me.
Sin, weakness, and infirmity
Am I; O Sav­ior, give to me
The cup of Thy sal­va­tion.

O Bread of Heav’n, my soul’s delight,
For full and free remission
With prayer I come before Thy sight,
In sorrow and contrition.
With faith adorn my soul that I
May to Thy table now draw nigh
With Thine own preparation.

I merit not Thy favor, Lord,
Sin now upon me lieth;
Beneath my bur­den, self-abhorred,
To Thee my spirit crieth.
In all my grief this comforts me,
That Thou on sinners graciously,
Lord Je­sus, hast compassion.