Forever a Foreigner

At our church in Cambodia, we have a tradition of singing three specific hymns during our Communion, or Lord’s Table, service. One is sung during the passing out of the bread, one is sung during the passing out of the cup, and one is sung to conclude the service. Two of these hymns were written specifically with Communion in mind. I love that this is so, and I wish the churches I have attended in America had hymns similar to these. The third hymn is also rich in meaning. My effort to translate these songs for you to enjoy is below.

Hymn #263 “The Lord Breaks the Bread of Life”

1) The Lord breaks the bread of life, O Lord my God, dividing amongst all the disciples;
The Lord breaks the bread of life, O Lord my God, dividing amongst the disciples.
I accept and eat, until I'm satisfied, O Lord of Life 
Accept and eat, until I'm satisfied at all times, O Lord of Life.

2) Every day I recall, O Lord my God, that, truly, You sacrificed;
Every day I recall, O Lord my God, truly You sacrificed. 
You are the bread of God, giving life to the lost and dead.
The bread of God, giving life, truly, You give to the lost and dead.

3) I take and break the bread, O Lord my God, remembering my Lord;
I take and break the bread, O Lord my God, remember my Lord. 
Every day I stand guard, waiting for my Lord, Him to receive.
Every day I guard, waiting for my Lord, waiting for His coming to receive.

Hymn #264 “I Humbly Receive the Cup of the Sign”

1) May the blood of Divine power, 
the sign of redemption upon the cross,
flow from Your wounds to wash my sins of every kind,
heal my wounds and scars
in the aching depths of my soul,
cleansing me of my sins.
My Lord suffered
because of my sins.
O my Lord God, oh, my guilt is so heavy.

2) Your servant will raise the cup and drink.
Please remind me to remember every day,
to remember your precious blood flowing down unto death.
O precious Lord,
how much was your pain?
You poured it out as a gift
sharing to all your disciples to drink. 
I receive 
with a pure heart, O my Lord, oh, Your cup satiates my heart.

3) You would have me drink until You come 
to raise me up and take me to the realm of life.
In this world, truly, I err daily because of temptation.
Please have pity, forgive me. 
Your cup is most holy; You made it a sign.
I accept 
with a pure heart. O my Lord God, oh, I confess.

Hymn #124 “I Am Alive”

1) I am alive, I am alive! I have been raised, I won't die again.
It's God who redeemed me, He really did! I'm not worthy, but He is merciful. 
My heart sings out, declaring His grace! He forgave my great sin that I might escape death.
I'm truly alive, God saved me in time that I might have the right to enter my Father's heaven. 

2) I am alive, I am alive! I've nothing to give in return for His grace. 
God's grace is great, without compare; I only can offer my contrite heart.
My heart sings out, I sing with gladness! I rejoice, and thank my Lord. 
Redeemed by His grace, my precious Lord, such great grace cannot be repaid. 

3) I am alive, I am alive! I know for sure, that I'm alive.
Although my body must suffer and die, my name vanishing, becoming dust.
My heart sings out, I sing with praise! There's no name equal to the name of Christ,
who saved and freed this world from the Enemy who tramples us, leading us to die.

4) I am alive, I am alive! I will not die, I'm alive these days.
My soul lives, I'm not afraid, for my precious Lord is alive in me. 
My heart sings out,​ of grace and mercy! I sing to the world so they may know,
there is a Redeemer in whom they can trust, to save their souls from suffering.