Let us break bread together is a traditional African American spiritual that reflects themes of communion, worship, and humility before God. Sung in churches during the Lord’s Supper, this hymn emphasizes unity in Christ, reverence in prayer, and a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy.
VERSE 1
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
CHORUS
When I fall on my knees with my face
To the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.
VERSE 2
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
VERSE 3
Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees.
Story Behind the Song
“Let Us Break Bread Together” is a traditional African American spiritual with roots in the Gullah Geechee communities of coastal South Carolina. The song was first documented in 1925, appearing in the Journal of American Folklore, which featured spirituals collected from students at the Penn School on St. Helena Island. [1]
In the same year, ethnomusicologist Nicholas George Ballanta-Taylor transcribed the song in Saint Helena Island Spirituals, preserving its original dialect and musicality. The lyrics reflect a communal act of worship, with lines like “Let us break bread together on our knees,” emphasizing unity and humility.
The phrase “with my face to the rising sun” has been interpreted in various ways, possibly symbolizing a search for spiritual enlightenment or reflecting traditional worship practices. [2]
The song gained wider recognition through its inclusion in The Second Book of Negro Spirituals in 1926, compiled by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson. This publication helped introduce the spiritual to diverse audiences, leading to its adoption in various Christian denominations’ hymnals.
Over time, “Let Us Break Bread Together” has become a cherished hymn, often sung during Communion services, symbolizing fellowship and a collective plea for divine mercy. [3]
While some suggest the song may have served as a signal for secret gatherings among enslaved individuals, concrete evidence supporting this claim is limited. Nonetheless, the hymn’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and unite congregations, reflecting a rich history of resilience and faith.
Communion and Worship
Let us break bread together expresses the act of communion, remembering Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus, at the Last Supper, broke bread with His disciples and said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). The song reflects this command, emphasizing the unity of believers in sharing the Lord’s Supper.
Communion is not just a ritual but a proclamation of Jesus’ death and resurrection, as stated in 1 Corinthians 11:26. It reminds Christians of their dependence on Christ for salvation and the grace that binds them together.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun conveys humility in worship. The Bible teaches that bowing before God is a sign of reverence. Philippians 2:10 declares, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Kneeling represents surrender, acknowledging God’s authority.
However, worship is not confined to physical posture or direction. Jesus said in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
If the rising sun symbolizes seeking God’s light, it aligns with Malachi 4:2, which speaks of Christ as the “sun of righteousness.” But worship should not focus on external elements but on God Himself.
O Lord have mercy on me expresses a plea for God’s grace. Psalm 51:1 says, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love.” This cry reflects repentance and dependence on God’s compassion.
In Luke 18:13, the tax collector humbly prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” and Jesus declared him justified. The song highlights the believer’s need for mercy, recognizing that salvation is by grace alone.
Let us praise God together on our knees unites worship and humility. Scripture calls believers to praise God with reverence. Psalm 95:6 urges, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Praise should flow from a heart surrendered to God, lifting Him above all things.
The song reflects key biblical themes of communion, humility, and seeking God’s mercy. While the phrase about the rising sun requires careful interpretation, the overall message encourages true worship.
Worship is not about form but about a heart turned toward God in remembrance, humility, and faith.
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Related themes you might want to include Let Us Break Bread Together in your list of songs for worship that centered around Glory of God, Grace of God, Love of God, Power of God
Let us break bread together lyrics and music by African American spiritual, (1925) Public Domain
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