As Bread Is Broken

One Sunday during the sacrament, author and composer Stephen A. Reynolds was reflecting on his deep need for the Savior’s Atonement when these words came to his mind: “As bread is broken, we think of Thee—Thy broken body on Calvary.” Along with the words came a simple melody and harmonic structure for a hymn, and Brother Reynolds jotted them down in the white space on the printed sacrament meeting program.

The hymn unfolded in the coming weeks as Brother Reynolds searched the scriptures and continued to ponder about the sacrament. He added lines and verses about the broken heart that we are to bring when we partake of the sacrament, the water that can remind us of the blood the Savior shed for us in the Garden of Gethsemane, the connection between the sacrament and the ordinance of baptism, and the continuous refining process of repentance.

“As Bread Is Broken” gives us the opportunity to ponder the Savior’s instruction to His disciples after breaking bread during the Last Supper: “Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24).

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for As Bread Is Broken

Scriptures

Principles

The ordinance of the sacrament helps us remember the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Because of Jesus Christ, we can repent and seek forgiveness for our sins.
By worthily partaking of the sacrament, we invite the Spirit to help us change and become more like our Savior.

Questions to Ponder

What can the emblems of the sacrament teach you about the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
What can you do to spiritually prepare for the sacrament?
When has partaking of the sacrament helped you worship God more sincerely?
How has partaking of the sacrament helped you change and repent?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Teach about the symbols of the sacrament. At home or while traveling, point out symbols you see with your children, such as road signs, power buttons, or logos. Explain that a symbol is a simple image that stands for something else and helps us understand it. Talk about the symbols we see during the sacrament, such as the cloth, the bread, and the water. Help family members understand that these are sacred symbols of Jesus Christ’s suffering and death, and that taking the bread and water during the sacrament shows our willingness to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, keep His commandments, and always remember Him. Listen to the hymn together, and have your children listen for the sacrament symbols in the words. Encourage them to think of these symbols of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice the next time they partake of the sacrament.
Use this hymn to think of Jesus Christ. Listen to or sing this hymn together as a family. Invite your children to notice the first line, “As bread is broken, we think of Thee.” Ask, “Who we are thinking of?” Encourage your children to share things they know about Jesus Christ, adding your own thoughts to help them understand His love and example. As you sing or listen to the rest of the hymn, invite your children to quietly think about the Savior and their feelings about Him. Explain that the sacrament is a special time each week to remember Jesus Christ, just as this hymn says. Encourage your children to think of the words of this hymn to help them focus on Jesus Christ during the sacrament.