SAY A WORD AND MY SOUL SHALL LIVE

"Say a Word and My Soul Shall Live" is a gentle, reflective Communion hymn that draws directly from the Centurion’s prayer in the Gospel. The melody carries a deep sense of humility and reverence, perfectly capturing the quiet moment just before the congregation approaches the altar. It is a song of surrender, acknowledging human frailty while trusting entirely in the healing power of Christ.

Choirs typically sing this piece during the Communion rite or as a post-Communion meditation. The verses move from recognizing Jesus as the "bread that was broken" to a personal plea for spiritual healing and sustenance. Singing lines like "Remember that I'm your handmaid" and "My soul thirsts for Thee" allows the choir and the faithful to voice their deepest spiritual hunger. The simple, repeating plea in the chorus makes it easy for the congregation to internalize the prayer, creating a profound stillness in the church as everyone prepares to receive the Eucharist.