Bread of Heaven, Living Manna

Inspired by the Welsh tune, SUO GAN, I recently wrote this hymn text as a meditation upon the John 6:22-59 "Bread of Life" passage.

1.  

Bread of heaven, living manna,          

Love and mercy You exude;           

Perfect off’ring, freely given

On the blood-marked Paschal rood;

Bread unleavened, Lamb unblemished,

Freeing sin-bound slaves from strife:

Feed us on our desert journey,

Holy Jesus, Bread of Life.

2.  

Bread of heaven, living manna,

Sure Your promise—faithful, true:

“Take and eat; this bread here broken

Is My body giv’n for you.

Take and drink; this cup of blessing

Is My very blood outpoured.”

With thanksgiving—sins forgiven—

We will ever bless You, Lord!

3.  

Bread of heaven, living manna,

Bread the ancients never knew;

You, Lord Jesus, came from heaven,

That our world be fed by You;

Now in You we never hunger,

And believing, thirst no more;

Living in You, Lord, we ever

Have our being and adore.

rood: a cross as used in crucifixion;

         the cross on which Christ died.