Moravian Book of Worship ‎#659

659. As a Mother Holds Her Baby

1 As a mother holds her baby,
gazing in her child's eyes
with a look of deep connection,
pond'ring still unbroken ties,
so God looks into our faces
with a gaze so close and calm,
holding us against the body
out of which our life has come.

2 As a mother feeds her baby,
with the milk from her own breast,
giving nourishment and nurture,
loving touch and calming rest,
so God feeds us through communion,
holy presence, blessed food,
loving touch of the Eternal;
hope and wonder are renewed.

3 As a mother feels the heart-beat
of her baby held so near,
and is moved to awe and laughter
at this infant life so dear,
so in Christ God feels our heart-beat,
enters in our joy and fear;
gives us brad and wine and mem'ry
that our vision may be clear.

4 As a mother looks with favor
on the new life in her arms,
searching ev'ry small expression,
sav'ring moments filled with charm,
so God smiles on ev'ry person,
so God takes such keen delight
in the praises that we offer;
we are precious in God's sight.

Text Information

• First Line: As a mother holds her baby
• Title: As a Mother Holds Her Baby
• Author: John T. Hicks (1991)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  1 Samuel 1:21-28
• Topic: Christian Education and Nurture; Christian nurture; God--Love of; Holy Communion

Tune Information

• Name: BEACH SPRING
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
• Key: F Major
• Source: The Sacred Harp (1844)
• Notes: Alternate Setting, hymn 652