Here, O my Lord, I See Thee Face to Face -- Hymn Lyrics

1 Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
here would we touch and handle things unseen;
here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace
and all my weariness upon Thee lean.

2 Here would I feed upon the bread of God,
here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav'n;
here would I lay aside each earthly load,
here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv'n.

3 This is the hour of banquet and of song;
this is the heav'nly table spread for me;
here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
the brief, bright hour of fellowship with Thee.

4 Too soon we rise, the symbols disappear;
the feast, though not the love, is past and done;
gone are the bread and wine, but Thou art here,
nearer than ever, still my Shield and Sun.

5 Feast after feast thus comes, and passes by;
yet passing, points to the glad feast above;
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.

"Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face" is a sacred communion hymn that reflects deep reverence and devotion during the observance of the Lord's Supper. Written in the 19th century, it is often cherished for its introspective and contemplative tone.

Background

• Author: The hymn was written by Horatius Bonar, a Scottish minister and hymn writer, in 1855. Bonar was known for his profound theological insights and heartfelt hymns.
• Theme: The hymn centers on the intimacy of communion with Christ, emphasizing the believer’s personal connection with the Savior and the spiritual nourishment provided through the Lord's Supper.
• Melody: Various tunes have been paired with the hymn over time, with "Morecambe" and "Penitentia" being common choices.

Themes and Key Ideas

1. Spiritual Nourishment: The hymn portrays the Lord's Supper as a sacred feast where believers are spiritually fed.
2. Intimacy with Christ: It expresses the joy of coming "face to face" with Christ in a deeply personal way.
3. Rest and Refuge: It highlights the peace and rest found in Christ amid life's challenges.
4. Eternal Perspective: The hymn looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment of communion with Christ in eternity.

Notable Lyrics

• "Here would I feed upon the Bread of God": A reference to Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35, KJV).
• "Here would I lay aside each earthly load": A depiction of the relief and peace found in Christ’s presence.
• "This is the hour of banquet and of song": Emphasizing the joy and celebration of spiritual communion.

Usage

The hymn is commonly sung during Communion services and is particularly meaningful in settings where reflection and reverence are emphasized. Its timeless message makes it a favorite in both traditional and modern worship contexts.

Enduring Legacy

"Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face" remains a powerful reminder of the sacredness of communion and the deep relationship believers share with Christ through this sacrament. Its poetic beauty and theological depth have ensured its place in Christian hymnals worldwide.