Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: Hymn

#drawnear #lutheranhymn #thebodyoftheLord
Soprano Kathleen Monson
Piano Riko Higuma

"Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord" is an ancient Eucharistic hymn with origins in early medieval Ireland, dating back to the 7th century. Originally written in Latin (Approach Ye, and Take the Body of the Lord), the text invites the faithful to receive the sacrament with reverence and gratitude, emphasizing Christ’s mercy, sacrifice, and the spiritual nourishment offered through the Holy Eucharist. Set to various hymn tunes over the centuries, the hymn maintains a tone of solemnity and devotion, making it a fitting choice for Communion services in many Christian traditions.

1 Draw near and take the body of your Lord,
and drink the holy blood for you outpoured.
Saved by his body and his holy blood,
with souls refreshed we give our thanks to God.
2 Christ our Redeemer, God’s eternal Son,
has by his cross and blood the vict’ry won.
He gave his life for greatest and for least,
himself the off’ring and himself the priest.
3 Let us approach with faithful hearts sincere
and take the pledges of salvation here.
Christ, who in this life all the saints defends,
gives all believers life that never ends.
4 With heav’nly bread he makes the hungry whole,
gives living waters to the thirsting soul.
Lord of the nations, to whom all must bow,
in this great feast of love be with us now.