In the process of selecting my favorite hymns, I have discovered that I am drawn to the hymns that most often speak of loving forgiveness, hymns that are often sung when we are celebrating Holy Communion. In reflecting on this observance I believe it goes deep within my living faith. What is it that we seek while observing Holy Communion but the divine forgiveness of our God of love? The God of life and creation is the same God who has through the crucified Jesus, His Son our Lord, paid the price for our sinfulness.

Singing this deeply moving hymn just speaks to me. It lifts me up and allows me to just open my heart to God so that all the sins that separate will be washed away.

“Just as I am, without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me.
and that thou biddest me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come; I come!
Just as I am, thy love unknown has broken every barrier down;
now to be thine, yea, thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come; I come!”

Sung as we are preparing ourselves to receive the blessed bread and cup is so renewing and cleansing. The message is not filled with deep theological expressions, but words that are so simple and pure that they are received and understood by all of us. The message is that God’s forgiving love is for everyone. This good news cannot be said often enough; the message is felt within our heart. Every time we celebrate Holy Communion, we may now know that we are loved and forgiven. “O Lamb of God (Jesus), I come; I come!”

Prayer

O Lamb God, how can we express our feelings of gratitude and love, knowing that You are our sacrificial Lamb, whose death of the Cross has given to us eternal life with You and God The Father in our heavenly home. Always in the name and spirit of Christ we pray. Amen.