(Notes written by Keith Getty)
The Communion Hymn is exactly what it says it is - a hymn to be used during the communion part of a service...
The opening verse sets the context, preparing us for communion with verse 2 focusing on the bread and verse 3 the wine while verse 4 being the response as we leave.
We use this hymn in many different contexts depending on how a church serves communion. In our home church we simply do the first two verses before the bread as a preparation, then the last two after the wine as a response. I know some churches that do each of the four verses one at a time, then have musicians play around the melody in between each one until the leader is ready to move to the next verse. It can also be sung as a whole piece straight through. While it has become a moving and well loved song, the winding melody does take a few playings for the congregation to get used to it.
BEHOLD THE LAMB who bears our sins away,
Slain for us: and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this Bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice,
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King.
The body of our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Torn for you: eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life,
Paid the price to make us one.
So we share in this Bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice,
As a sign of our bonds of love
Around the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
Shed for you: drink and remember
He drained death's cup that all may enter in
To receive the life of God.
So we share in this Bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice,
As a sign of our bonds of grace
Around the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith
We rise to respond: and to remember.
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth.
As we share in His suffering,
We proclaim: Christ will come again!
And we'll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King.
Stuart Townend, Keith & Kristyn Getty
Copyright 2007 Thankyou Music
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