Longer version appropriate for Communion. Can pause
after measure 68 after bread has been served, then
begin again at 69 when wine is served. Shorter version
better for offertory.
Not Worthy, Lord
This title rather says it all, yet there is another
title that also describes this hymn. The tune is
called communion, and well might it be. References to
a meal include “Thy table,” “…sit the last and
lowest at Thy board…” “…and of Thy banquet
eat,” and “Lord, l...(+)
Longer version appropriate for Communion. Can pause
after measure 68 after bread has been served, then
begin again at 69 when wine is served. Shorter version
better for offertory.
Not Worthy, Lord
This title rather says it all, yet there is another
title that also describes this hymn. The tune is
called communion, and well might it be. References to
a meal include “Thy table,” “…sit the last and
lowest at Thy board…” “…and of Thy banquet
eat,” and “Lord, let me sup with Thee; sup Thou
with me.” The hymn may be obscure, but the composer
is not—Felix Mendelssohn was one of the greatest
composers of the early Romantic period, as well as a
Christian. He wouldn’t have known Edward H.
Bickersteth, the author, who didn’t pen these words
until 1872, twenty-five years after Mendelssohn’s
death. However, I’m sure he would approve.
1. Not worthy, Lord! to gather up the crumbs
With trembling hand that from Thy table fall,
A weary, heavy-laden sinner comes
To plead Thy promise and obey Thy call.
2. I am not worthy to be thought Thy child,
Nor sit the last and lowest at Thy board;
Too long a wand’rer and too oft beguiled,
I only ask one reconciling word.
3. One word from Thee, my Lord, one smile, one
look,
And I could face the cold, rough world again;
And with that treasure in my heart could brook
The wrath of devils and the scorn of men.
4. I hear Thy voice; Thou bidd’st me come and
rest;
I come, I kneel, I clasp Thy pierced feet;
Thou bidd’st me take my place, a welcome guest
Among Thy saints, and of Thy banquet eat.
5. My praise can only breathe itself in prayer,
My prayer can only lose itself in Thee;
Dwell Thou forever in my heart, and there,
Lord, let me sup with Thee; sup Thou with me.
