WE TAKE THIS BREAD

“The four actions at the table—take, bless, break, and share—are what we are to become.”
—Don E. Saliers, Worship and Spirituality

We take this bread and reckon how
       its crust all cracked, so dry and hard,
is like our stubborn, stony hearts
       unbreakable by all but God.

We bless this bread and offer thanks
       to God who offers Jesus Christ;
and lift our hearts before the cross
       as we prepare our sacrifice

We break this bread and pray that God
       will break our hearts of cold concrete;
that we may feel them strangely warmed
       with wine to drink, and bread to eat.

We share this bread together now,
       joined as one body and one blood
and leave this table, hearts restored,
       to serve the heart and mind of God.

Creator of the earth and skies,
       Redeemer, one begotten son,
Sustainer of our life and breath
       We praise thee, Holy Three in One.

Copyright © 2006 Ryan D. Neaveill