Traditional Hymns
Be Present at Our Table, Lord
Be Present at Our Table, Lord
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Be Present at Our Table, Lord (.midi) Be Present at Our Table, Lord (.mp3) Be Present at Our Table, Lord Bells Version (.mp3)
1. Be present at our table, Lord; be here and everywhere adored; thy creatures bless, and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee.
Story of the hymn Be Present at Our Table, Lord
"Be Present at Our Table, Lord" is a short but enduring Christian hymn commonly used as a table grace. It is traditionally attributed to John Cennick (1718-1755), an English hymn writer and evangelist closely associated with the early Methodist and Moravian movements.John Cennick was converted under the preaching of John Wesley and later became a prominent leader among the Moravians in England and Ireland. He was a prolific hymn writer, composing hundreds of hymns intended for practical Christian use in daily life, including worship, devotion, and communal living. His hymns are marked by simplicity, warmth, and a strong emphasis on Christ's presence with His people.
"Be Present at Our Table, Lord" reflects this practical devotional focus. Rather than being written for congregational singing in a formal service, the hymn was designed for use at meals, acknowledging God as the giver of daily bread and inviting His presence into ordinary moments of life.
The text echoes biblical themes such as God's provision (Matthew 6:11) and the sanctifying of food and fellowship through thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
The hymn's brevity and direct language have contributed to its wide and lasting use. Its well known lines ask God not only to bless the food, but also to bless those gathered and those who are absent, expressing Christian concern that extends beyond the table itself. This outward looking spirit reflects Cennick's evangelical heart and the communal values of the Moravian tradition.
Over time, the hymn has become one of the most familiar spoken or sung graces in English speaking Christianity. Though often recited rather than sung today, it continues to embody John Cennick's goal, to weave faith, gratitude, and the awareness of God's presence into the everyday rhythms of Christian life.
