I love most of the Communion Hymns out there - but there are not that many, so I do get fed up choosing the same few!
So I decided to write some new words to the fantastic tune 'Down Ampney' commonly used for the Hymn 'Come down O love divine'.
The theme is obviously that of sharing at the Lord's Supper - but it remembers that very often Jesus was the guest and that here at our tables he is the host. The Wee Worship Book from the Iona Community includes a Communion Liturgy which follows much the same theme - one that I have used often and that friends have found very helpful.
So I offer it below - as usual, please feel free to use it - but let me know when and where!! Thanks
Come! Share this feast with Christ.
66 11 D – ‘Down Ampney’ (Come down, O Love Divine)
Come! Share this feast with Christ!
Christ, who was always the guest
at tables with the rich – the poor he pleaded.
Find here a friendly face,
hard hands he will embrace
and draw you in to freedoms own encounter.
Come! Share this feast with Christ!
Christ, who was always the guest
in homes where deaths dread sting is found to linger.
Strength God will find in you!
Strength that will make you new
and lead you into life in all its fullness.
Come! Share this feast with Christ!
Christ, who was always the guest
in rooms of pain and sickness none would enter.
Eyes wide and tears God streams
into our wounds and fears,
to make us sure that love is heavens answer.
Come! Share this feast with Christ!
Christ, who invites us as host,
and calls us in from all our deepest longing.
O Bread and Wine be blessed!
Body and blood redressed
and shared as grace outpoured for our beginning!
Words © Martin Knight – 11th June 2007
for Trinity United Church, The Parish of Cheetham, Manchester
