As the Disciples, When Thy Son Had Left Them

1 As the disciples, when thy Son had left them,
met in a love-feast, joyfully conversing,
all the stored memory of the Lord's last supper
fondly rehearsing;

2 So may we here, who gather now in friendship,
seek for the spirit of those earlier churches,
welcoming him who stands and for an entrance,
patiently searches.

3 As, when their converse closed and supper ended,
taking the bread and wine they made thanksgiving,
breaking and blessing, thus to have communion
with Christ the living;

4 So may we here, a company of faithful,
make this our love-feast and commemoration,
that in his Spirit we may have more worthy
participation.

5 And as they prayed and sang to thee rejoicing,
ere in the night-fall they embraced and parted,
in their hearts singing as they journeyed homeward,
brave and true-hearted;

6 So may we here, like grain that once was scattered
over a hill-side, now one bread united,
led by the Spirit, do thy work rejoicing,
lamps filled and lighted.

Source: Common Praise: A new edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern #280