1. 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 opprest,
We come to Thee for needed rest,
For comfort and for pardon.
2. Although Thou didst to heaven 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,
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 blessed comfort unto me
When living and when dying.
Hymn #306 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
Text: 1 Cor. 11: 26
Author: Samuel Kinner, 1638
Translated by: Emanuel Cronenwett, 1880, ad.
Titled: "Herr Jesu Christ, du hast bereit't"
Composer: Peter Sohren, 1668
Tune: "Herr Jesu Christ, du hast bereit't"