Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees
Let us break bread together on our knees
The hymn emphasizes the communal and participatory nature of the Lord's Supper, central to Lutheran Eucharistic theology which affirms Christ's real presence and the gathering of the faithful. Its threefold repetition of breaking bread, drinking wine, and praising the Lord reflects the intimate connection between sacramental practice and communal worship.
History & Background
This spiritual emerged from the African American experience in the antebellum American South, expressing theological depth within constraints of oppression. It was collected and published in various spiritual collections in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining wider church use through hymnals like the LBW.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 367
- Chalice Hymnal — 425
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 471
- Glory to God — 525
- The Hymnal 1982 — 325
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 212
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 211
- New Century Hymnal — 330
- United Methodist Hymnal — 618
- Voices Together — 459
Bulletin Note
This African American spiritual emerged from enslaved communities' profound sacramental faith, affirming Christ's real presence and communal grace where worldly hierarchies dissolve before the Table of the Lord.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms Law-wrought humility into Gospel-filled kneeling, teaching that the Supper itself is the proclamation of Christ's real presence healing the breach between God and sinners.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Communion Small Catechism — Holy Communion
- Of Lord’s Supper Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's sacramental presence (bread/wine) to communal praise, the hymn progresses through humble kneeling toward joyful adoration, rooted in mercy received.
Themes
Communion/Eucharist Christian fellowship Humble devotion Unity in Christ