John Brownlie (trans.) · 97 of 99

97: We bless Thee, Lord, that Thou hast spread

We bless Thee, Lord, that Thou hast spread A table for Thy people here; Where we may taste the Living Bread, And feel Thy blessed presence near.

Here, where Thy people meet, Thou art; We hear Thy voice in accents sweet; Thy blood is wine to fainting heart, Thy flesh to hungry spirits meat.

Oh, help us, Lord, to feast with joy Upon the bounties of Thy grace; Here may no anxious thoughts annoy, Here may we see Thy loving face.

O Christ, who, in Thy love untold, Didst give Thyself to death for man, Here at Thy table, Lord, unfold The beauty of Redemption's plan.

Oh, send Thy Spirit to our aid-- That Spirit promised long ago, When first the solemn feast was laid, Even in the valley of Thy woe.

And let Him bring sweet comfort near, And when we see the thorn-decked brow, We may remember He who died Is crowned with life immortal now.