Scripture References:
st. = John 6:35
The first volume of Music from Taizé included mostly Latin texts; when preparing the second volume, G.I.A. president Robert J. Batastini was interested in providing more English texts as well. Working with Brother Robert and Jacques Berthier of the Taizé Community in France, Batastini adapted "Eat This Bread" from John 6:35 on the morning of October 7, 1983, and Berthier composed the music that same afternoon. The volume they were working on was published in 1984. (See PHH 217 for more information about the Taizé Community and their music.)
Batastini intended the hymn for communion processionals that call for a chorus that is easily memorized and sung while people come forward for the communion bread and wine. The Psalter Hymnal prints only the refrain; five stanzas taken from John 6, to be sung by a soloist, are published in Music from Taizé (vol. 2, 1984). The original text of the refrain portrays Christ as the speaker: "Come to me" and “Trust in me.”
Liturgical Use:
Lord's Supper, during distribution of the bread and wine.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files
