Now in this Banquet

This is a folk-style hymn about the Eucharistic.

It was written by American Lutheran composer and pastoral musician, Marty Haugen (b 1950). It was first released in 1986 on his album "Song of God Among Us" (ref), and later included in the collection "Anthology II: 1985-1989 – The Best of Marty Haugen".

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Haugen. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of Ab, the first few notes of the chorus melody are E F A B E_ c d e B_ with accompanying chords Ab / Bbm7 / Eb / Ab / Bbm7.

There five different tunes used for the verses, and this makes the whole hymn challenging to sing without a cantor or choir, unless you only use the first two verses which share a tune. But the chorus can be used on it's own as a canon (round). and are alternative chorus words for the seasons of Lent and Advent.

Loaf of bread and a cup of wine on a communion table with candles.

Downloads

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Setting by Haugen for unison voices, 2 voices, assembly, piano, guitar and C instruments.

Examples

Original recording:

Solo singer with piano (video has close-up of the keyboard):

Youth choir, with verses done by solos / duets:

Unaccompanied singer, chorus only:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Now in this banquet, Christ is our bread;
Here shall all hungers be fed.
Bread that is broken, wine that is poured,
Love is the sign of our Lord.

1 You who have touched us and graced us with love ....

2 Let our hearts burn with the fire of your love ...

3 God who makes the blind to see, God who makes the lame to walk ...

4 Hope for the hopeless, light for the blind ...

5 Call us to be your light ...

6 Come, O Spirit! renew our hearts ....

Alternative chorus for Advent:
God of our journeys, daybreak to night;
Lead us to justice and light.
Grant us compassion, strength for the day,
Wisdom to walk in your way.

Alternative chorus for Lent:
Lord, you can open hearts that are stone;
Live in our flesh and our bone;
Lead us to wonder, mystery and grace,
One in your loving embrace.