Break Now the Bread of Life (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 515)
1 Break now the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
as once you broke the loaves beside the sea.
Beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord;
my spirit waits for you, O living Word.
2 Bless your own word of truth, dear Lord, to me,,
as when you blest the bread by Galilee.
Then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall;
and I shall find my peace, my All-in-All!
3 You are the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
your holy word the truth that rescues me.
Give me the eat and live with you above;
teach me to love your truth, for you are love.
Text: John Cawood; Music: J. Day; Public Domain
Devotion
God’s Word is true because it points us to Jesus, but all too often we fail to live by it. The cares and concerns of the world keep us preoccupied, as do times of self-importance and pride. We are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. That’s why we need the word of God put into our ears in weekly worship. God’s words of truth and life cause all bondage to cease. God reminds us of who we are and whose we are. Hearing God’s word and receiving the sacraments gives us peace that the world cannot give. Reading the Bible daily, studying it, and inwardly digesting it keeps God’s word close to us so we can live for others. May this be our prayer: “Teach me to love your truth, for you are love.”
Prayer
Beyond the sacred page we seek you, O God. Jesus, you are the bread of life. Amen.