Worship songs with Eucharistic lyrics

The tradition of singing hymns and songs during the Mass dates back to the earliest days of Christianity. The Book of Psalms, which contains many songs of thanksgiving and praise, was used extensively in Jewish worship and was adopted by early Christians as a source of inspiration for their own hymns and songs. Over time, the themes and lyrics of these songs evolved to reflect the central doctrines and practices of the Catholic faith, including the celebration of the Eucharist.

One of the most well-known Eucharistic hymns is “Tantum Ergo Sacramentum,” which was written by the 13th-century theologian St. Thomas Aquinas. This hymn is sung during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and focuses on the mystery of the Eucharist, particularly the real presence of Christ in the consecrated host. The first verse of the hymn reads:

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.

Translated into English, the verse means:

Therefore, we before him bending,
This great sacrament revere;
Types and shadows have their ending,
For the newer rite is here;
Faith, our outward sense befriending,
Makes the inward vision clear.

Another popular Eucharistic hymn is “Adoro te Devote,” which was also written by St. Thomas Aquinas. This hymn is often sung during Mass and focuses on the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist, emphasizing the importance of the bread and wine that are consecrated during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The first verse of the hymn reads:

Adoro te devote, latens Deitas,
Quae sub his figuris vere latitas:
Tibi se cor meum totum subjicit,
Quia te contemplans totum deficit.

Translated into English, the verse means:

I devoutly adore you, O hidden Deity,
Who truly lies hidden beneath these appearances.
My whole heart submits to you,
And in contemplating you, it loses itself completely.

Yet another beloved Eucharistic hymn is “Panis Angelicus,” which was composed by the 13th-century poet and musician St. Thomas Aquinas. This hymn is often sung during Communion and focuses on the spiritual nourishment that we receive from sharing in the body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist. The first verse of the hymn reads:

Panis Angelicus
fit panis hominum;
Dat panis caelicus
figuris terminum:
O res mirabilis!
Manducat Dominum
Pauper, servus et humilis.

Translated into English, the verse means:

The Angel’s Bread becomes the bread of men;
The heavenly bread ends all symbols.
O miraculous thing! the poor,
The servant, and humble, eat the Lord.

In addition to these classic Eucharistic hymns, there are many modern worship songs that incorporate Eucharistic themes and imagery. These songs are often played during Eucharistic Adoration or other times of prayer and reflection, and are a powerful way to deepen our devotion to Christ in the Eucharist.

Some examples of modern worship songs with Eucharistic lyrics include “At the Table” by Josh Garrels, “One Bread, One Cup” by John Michael Talbot, and “Take and Eat” by Michael Joncas. These songs remind us of the profound gift that we receive in the Eucharist and inspire us to draw closer to Christ in prayer and worship.

In conclusion, Eucharistic hymns and worship songs are an essential part of Catholic worship, helping us to contemplate the mystery of the Eucharist and unite our hearts and minds with Christ during the Mass. Whether we are singing classic hymns by St. Thomas Aquinas or modern worship songs with Eucharistic themes, these songs remind us of the profound gift that we receive in the Eucharist and inspire us to deepen our devotion to Christ in this sacred sacrament.