O Living Bread from Heaven
O Living Bread from Heaven is a hymn text by Josua Stegmann (1626) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Philip Schaff. Found in elw 340, lbw 197, lsb 642, lw 244. Sung to BREAD OF LIFE.
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran sacramental theology by emphasizing Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist as the living bread that sustains spiritual life. It reflects the confessional affirmation of the Lord's Supper as more than memorial—as genuine communion with Christ's body and blood.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'O Lebensbrodt, vom Himmel' by Josua Stegmann in 1626. The text was first translated into English by Philip Schaff in 1888 and has since become a standard Lutheran communion hymn in English-speaking congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 340
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 197
- Lutheran Service Book — 642
- Lutheran Worship — 244
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 316
- Voices Together — 475
- With One Voice — 615
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Josua Stegmann in 1626, this hymn crystallizes Lutheran sacramental conviction: Christ's Real Presence in bread and wine addresses the soul's deepest need through tangible, gracious means.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of our spiritual hunger into Gospel proclamation: Christ is the living bread whose body and blood sustain us in grace—the Lutheran affirmation that the Eucharist is genuine communion, not mere remembrance.
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 spiritual hunger and seeking (Law) to satisfaction and freedom through God's Word (Gospel); transformation from bondage to peace
Overview
A post-Communion hymn by Johann Rist, rich and personal. The communicant thanks Christ for feeding him, faith quickened and the soul gazing on Christ (st. 1); marvels that God has fed him in the holiest place despite his sinful blindness and asks what he can give in return (st. 2); answers: a contrite heart, which God does not despise, and a song of praise (st. 3); prays that the Sacrament work in him to forsake sin and love Christ alone (st. 4); and, strengthened, renounces earthly pleasures and longs for heaven (st. 5).
Central theme: Thanksgiving after Communion and prayer that the gift bear fruit in a heart devoted to Christ
Structure
Five twelve-line stanzas (7.8.7.8.7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6). Thanks (1) — wonder at grace (2) — the contrite heart as offering (3) — fruit (4) — longing for heaven (5).
Law & Gospel Shape
Law: 'sinful blindness… erring hour by hour' (2). Gospel: fed with grace, not spurned, the contrite heart accepted (1-3).
Confessional Connections
Faith 'quickened by this food' — the Supper strengthens faith (LC V). The 'sacrifice' we bring is a broken spirit and praise — sacrifices of thanksgiving, not propitiation (Ap XXIV.25-26). Sanctification as fruit (AC VI).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Post-Communion; Maundy Thursday.
Historical Notes
Rist (1607-1667). Winkworth's translation is in Lyra Germanica, second series (1858).
About the Tune
TLH names NUN LOB, MEIN SEEL (Augsburg, 1540); the index lists ACH GOTT VOM HIMMELREICHE — verify which tune TLH prints.
Scripture References
John 6:51 Ps 23:5 Ps 116:12 Heb 9:12 Ps 51:17 Isa 66:2 Luke 10:42 1 John 4:19 Phil 3:8 Matt 6:19-21 Heb 11:16
Stanza by Stanza
Living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! Your gifts have filled my heart with joy and rest. Wonderful food of blessing, cup that heals our woes! My heart, confessing this gift, overflows in thankful song; for while faith was quickened by this food, my soul gazed on you, my highest and only Good.
Thanksgiving for food just received (John 6:51). 'Cup that heals our woes' — the blood 'for the forgiveness of sins.' 'Faith… quickened by this food' — LC V: the Sacrament nourishes and strengthens faith. 'My soul hath gazed upon Thee' — faith sees Christ in the Sacrament. 'Highest, only Good' — the First Commandment fulfilled.
- Scripture
- John 6:51, Matt 26:28, Ps 23:5, Ps 16:2, Ps 73:25
- Imagery & language
- Bread; cup; gazing.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — thanksgiving for the gift.
- Connection to previous
- Thanks.
My God, you have led me here into your temple's holiest place and fed me yourself with all the treasures of your grace. Your kindness is boundless and your power righteous, while I in sinful blindness err hour by hour; yet you do not reject a sinner like me! What gift can I give you in return for your grace and love?
'Holiest place' — the Holy of Holies, now opened by Christ's blood (Heb 10:19-20); the altar is where God meets his people. Contrast: God's boundless kindness versus 'sinful blindness… erring hour by hour.' The wonder: 'Thou com'st not spurning a sinner like me.' The question 'What gift have I?' (Ps 116:12) leads to st. 3.
- Scripture
- Heb 10:19-20, Ps 116:12, Luke 15:2, Rom 5:8
- Imagery & language
- Holiest place; blindness; the question.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — sinful blindness; Gospel — not spurned.
- Connection to previous
- Wonder.
A repentant heart that mourns sin with bitter sighs — with this, my only sacrifice, you are content, Lord. I know you will not despise me in my weakness but in your gentleness grant the blessing I sought; you will gladly hear the song I raise, for it is always right that I should praise you.
The answer: 'a broken and contrite heart' (Ps 51:17), 'my only sacrifice.' This is the Apology's 'sacrifice of praise' — not a sacrifice that earns, but the response God accepts for Christ's sake (Ap XXIV.25-26). 'Meet and right 'tis ever' — the Preface: 'It is truly good, right and salutary…'
- Scripture
- Ps 51:17, Isa 66:2, Heb 13:15, Ps 147:1
- Imagery & language
- Contrite heart as sacrifice; song.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — acceptance of the contrite.
- Connection to previous
- Answer.
Grant that what I have received may so work in me by your grace that all sin is forsaken and I cling to you alone, and that my whole soul pays attention to knowing your love; for this alone is needful, that your love glow in me. Then let no beauty or joy ever lure my heart except what is yours, my Savior, what you give here.
The Sacrament should bear fruit: forsaking sin, cleaving to Christ. 'This alone is needful' — Luke 10:42 (Mary's 'one thing'). Love glowing in us is a response to his love (1 John 4:19). The prayer that nothing allure except Christ's gifts echoes the First Commandment.
- Scripture
- Luke 10:42, 1 John 4:19, Ps 27:4, Phil 3:8
- Imagery & language
- One thing needful; glowing love.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — prayer for fruit.
- Connection to previous
- Fruit.
How good for me that, strengthened here with heavenly food and comfort, however long my course, I may now serve you without fear! Away, earthly pleasure! All earthly gifts are vain; I seek a heavenly treasure and long to reach my home, my God, where I will praise you, where no one can destroy my peace, and where my soul will raise glad songs to you in endless joy.
Strengthened for the journey ('however my course be lengthened'), the communicant serves 'free from fear' (Luke 1:74). Heavenly treasure over earthly (Matt 6:19-21). The longing for home (Heb 11:16) and endless praise.
- Scripture
- Luke 1:74-75, Matt 6:19-21, Heb 11:16, Heb 13:14, Rev 7:15-17
- Imagery & language
- Strength; treasure; home.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — strengthened for the pilgrimage.
- Connection to previous
- Concludes.
Themes
Holy Communion Christ's Real Presence Spiritual nourishment Dependence on Christ Eucharistic theology