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Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord

Draw near and take the body of the Lord

Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord is a hymn text by John of Damascus (1696) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by John Mason Neale. Found in CW21 661, CW93 309, ELH 314, elw 208. Sung to TRURO.

This hymn embodies Lutheran sacramental theology, emphasizing the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the invitation of all the faithful to partake. It reflects the patristic tradition that informs Lutheran eucharistic understanding and the mystical dimensions of communion.

History & Background

John of Damascus composed this Eastern liturgical hymn in the 8th century as part of Byzantine Eucharistic theology. John Mason Neale translated it into English in 1862, making this patristic text accessible to Western Protestant congregations.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 661
  • Christian Worship — 309
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 314
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 208
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 226
  • Lutheran Service Book — 637
  • Lutheran Worship — 240
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 307

Translation

John Mason Neale

Bulletin Note

Attributed to John of Damascus (675–749), this patristic hymn reflects Eastern Christian eucharistic theology, adopted and treasured by Lutherans for its witness to Christ's real presence and sacramental grace.

Preaching Connection

This hymn deepens the Gospel's comfort by anchoring forgiveness and transformation not in feeling but in the sacramental reality of Christ's body and blood—a tangible means of grace that meets the law's demand with mercy.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's Lenten self-denial models our repentance; His victory over Satan empowers our spiritual triumph; His presence sustains us through suffering toward Easter joy and eternal paradise.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Quinquagesima (3×)
  • Trinity 18 (3×)
  • Epiphany 2 (1×)
  • Maundy Thursday (1×)
  • Trinity 10 (1×)
  • Trinity 2 (1×)
  • Trinity 21 (1×)
  • Trinity 24 (1×)
  • Trinity 25 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Lent 2 (1×)
  • Lent 3 (1×)
  • Maundy Thursday (1×)
  • Proper 20 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Holy Communion Sacramental grace Christological mystery Invitation to worship Christ's presence

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