The Cup of Life Outpoured

This is a gentle hymn about receiving the Eucharist in humility.

It was written by American Roman Catholic musician, vocalist and music-director / worship-director, Jim Cowan (b 1952), and first published by International Liturgy Publications in 1987. Sheet music is still available from them - link below.

The song became better-known when it was re-recorded ten years later by Nicaraguan-born, US-raised Roman Catholic musician (foot-guitar), composer and speaker, Tony Melendez (b. 1962)

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Cowan. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of C, the first few notes of the melody are G_ E G_ C A_ A G_ G_ with accompanying chords C G F G.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Buy sheet music: downloadable SATB arrangement from ILP

Examples

Choir with band

Singer with midi-keyboard

Choir with organ, words on-screen

Choir with guitar, professional recording

Singer with guitar-based band - professional recording

Professional recording, words on-screen (verse at once)

Lyrics

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

Chorus:
Who am I, that I should receive
the cup of life outpoured,
The bread of life, the blood of Christ,
the body of my Lord.

1. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Cause me to see You as You are,
The King of Glory, the Lord of Love, the Shepherd of my heart.

2. Lamb of God, Holy God, I come to receive you now.
Come into my heart, fill my life with your very presence Lord.

3. Too great for me, this wisdom of the Lord, to hold our Saviour in my hand,
And greater still the gift of God, that I should be one with Him.

Coda:
Lamb of God, Holy God,
Lamb of God, Holy God,
Lamb of God.

See more ...

Image adapted from PickPik - royalty free