Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it He broke it, gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat this is my body.” Then He took a cup , and after giving thanks He gave it to them saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Matthew 26:26-28

This hymn is like a choral setting for the Lord’s Supper. It recounts the story of Jesus and His disciples being at table on the night of His arrest. Jesus instituted this sacrament after they had shared a meal. The simple elements of bread and wine were shared, and Jesus explained the symbolism of these two elements.

This hymn not only looks back on this event of that night but also to the implications of that meal for us today.

An upper room did our Lord prepare for those He loved until the end: and

His disciples still gather there to celebrate their risen Lord

A lasting gift Jesus gave His own: to share His bread, His loving cup

Whatever burdens may bow us down, He by His cross shall lift us up

And after supper He washed their feet, for service, too, is sacrament.

In Christ, our joy shall be made complete: sent out to serve, as He was sent

The last stanza looks toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and the Messianic Banquet.

No end there is, we depart in peace. He loves beyond our uttermost: in every room in our Father’s house, Christ will be there as Lord and Host.

Prayer

O God, during these days when COVID-19 is raging, we sorely miss the solace the Lord’s Supper provides as an element of our worship. Until we are able once again to gather around Your table, help us to see an element of Communion in the ordinary meals we may share with family and/or friends, By Your mercy grant that we will soon be able to share the feast You prepare for us. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.