Take our bread, we ask you

When the choir begins "Take Our Bread," a profound sense of surrender settles over the church. This beloved Offertory hymn, written by Joseph Wise, captures the true heart of the Eucharistic preparation. We are not just bringing forward the physical gifts of bread and wine; we are offering our very selves—our hearts, our lives, and our hunger. The simple, earnest plea, "O Father, we are yours," resonates deeply with the congregation as they prepare for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The verses draw us into the communal reality of the Mass. We stand together at the table, acknowledging our poverty and our deep need for God's nourishment. Singing "Your holy people stand washed in your blood" reminds the faithful of the grace that gathers us, making our humble offering acceptable. It is a song that grounds the choir and the people alike in the meaning of the Offertory.

Included on this handwritten sheet is the solfa notation for "My Times Are in Thy Hand," a quiet, trusting hymn tune. Together, these pieces reflect the everyday work of a choir director—gathering the music that will guide the parish through moments of offering, reflection, and ultimate trust in God's providence.