The Cyber Hymnal ‎#1275

1275. Do This; Remember Me!

1. Our Lord and His disciples
at table were as one,
And Jesus thought of the morrow,
His work here nearly done.
With one last night together,
they knew not what would be,
But Jesus had one final word:
Do This; Remember Me!

2. Thanksgiving to the Father,
an ancient feast made new.
Christ said, This is My body,
My body giv’n for you.
The holy bread was broken
and shared with Jesus’ plea
That His words not be forgotten:
Do This; Remember Me!

3. He took the cup of blessing,
the blood of Jesus shed
That all might know forgiveness,
received when Jesus bled.
Salvation now available
to all on bended knee
Who repent and follow His command:
Do This; Remember Me!

4. Yes, Christ’s command continues
to all who serve His Name
To go and make disciples,
that all would sing His fame.
And gathered at one table
His holy church shall see
Our Master is still calling:
Do This; Remember Me!

Text Information

• First Line: Our Lord and His disciples
• Title: Do This; Remember Me!
• Author: Keith McIlwain (2003)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Keith H. McIlwain, 2003: While reviewing the hymn possibilities for Holy Thursday in 2003, I lamented that none in our present hymnal really gave the thrust of the traditional narrative. I had always wanted to write a hymn text (inspired by the great Methodist poet Charles Wesley) and seized the opportunity. The text attempts to convey the events of the traditional institutional narrative while remaining connected to the emotions in the Upper Room. Although I had written songs in a pop-rock-folk style previously, this was my first traditional hymn text. I wrote the text based on a tune [Day of Rest] that was included in the 1935 Methodist Hymnal but had fallen into disuse.

Tune Information

• Name: DAY OF REST
• Composer: James William Elliott (1874)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Incipit: 13565 45321 23462
• Key: F Major
• Source: Church Hymns, 1874
• Copyright: Public Domain