Charles Wesley - Be Known To Us In Breaking Bread (1024) Lyrics

Meaning & Inspiration

The enduring hymn, "Be Known To Us In Breaking Bread," penned by the prolific Charles Wesley, finds fresh resonance in its 2012 release, offering a timeless prayer for divine presence. This particular rendition, brought to listeners on June 3rd, 2012, reminds us that while the composition hails from centuries past, its spiritual depth remains ever relevant to the contemporary faith journey. Wesley, known for his ability to translate profound theological truths into accessible verse, draws directly from the poignant narrative of the Emmaus Road found in Luke's Gospel. Here, two disciples, walking in sorrow and confusion after the crucifixion, encounter the risen Christ without recognizing Him until the moment He breaks bread with them. It is this pivotal act, a simple yet sacred shared meal, that opens their eyes to His identity.

Wesley’s hymn captures the heart of this post-resurrection encounter and expands it into a universal plea for ongoing, intimate communion with Christ. The opening lines immediately transport us to that transformative moment, emphasizing the act of "breaking bread" as the moment of divine revelation. This phrase resonates deeply with Christian tradition, not only recalling the Emmaus story but also pointing to the sacrament of Holy Communion, where believers remember Christ's sacrifice and experience His spiritual presence. However, the hymn moves beyond mere recognition to an earnest desire for sustained fellowship, as reflected in the subsequent prayer, a yearning for Christ not to "then depart." This echoes the disciples' own heartfelt invitation in Luke 24:29, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent," revealing a profound human need for God’s continuous companionship, especially in times of spiritual twilight or uncertainty.

The hymn's true genius lies in its progression from an external, recognized presence to an internalized, abiding one. The plea "Saviour, abide with us" directly mirrors the biblical call for persistent communion, reminiscent of Christ’s own instruction in John 15:4 to "Abide in Me, and I in you." This is not a request for a fleeting visit but for an enduring relationship, a constant indwelling. The culmination of this spiritual journey is beautifully articulated in the aspiration to "spread Thy table in our heart." This powerful imagery moves the sacred act from a physical table to the innermost being of the believer. It signifies a desire for Christ's presence to not only be known but to be permanently resident, transforming the heart into a sacred space where divine fellowship is perpetually celebrated. This profound concept aligns with the New Testament teachings on Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, making believers temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). The hymn, therefore, becomes a powerful prayer for an unbroken, intimate relationship with the Risen Lord, inviting Him to not only reveal Himself but to make His home within us, sustaining and nourishing our spirits with His eternal presence. It encourages every individual to seek not just an encounter, but a dwelling, a life lived in constant, profound communion with the Savior.