Jesus Christ, our blessèd Savior, Turned away God’s wrath forever; By His bitter grief and woe He saved us from the evil Foe. As His pledge of love undying He, this precious food supplying, Gives His body with the bread And with the wine the blood He shed. Whoso to this board repaireth May take heed how he prepareth; For if he does not believe, Then death for life he shall receive. Praise the Father, who from Heaven Unto us such food hath given And, to mend what we have done, Gave into death His only Son. Thou shalt hold with faith unshaken That this food is to be taken By the sick who are distressed, By hearts that long for peace and rest. Christ says, “Come, all ye that labor, And receive My grace and favor; They who feel no want nor ill Need no physician’s help nor skill. “Useless were for thee My Passion If thy works thy weal could fashion. This feast is not spread for thee If thine own savior thou wilt be.” If thy heart this truth professes, And thy mouth thy sin confesses, His dear guest thou here shalt be, And Christ Himself shall banquet thee. |