This communion liturgy is set to I Wonder as I Wander, composed by John Jacob Niles based on a melody he heard sung by a young girl named Annie Morgan in the Appalachian region of North Carolina. The tune and lyrics are in the public domain. The italicized verse is verbatim from the original song, which focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ.
Invitation & Prayer of Great Thanksgiving
We wonder as we wander to this table of grace
where all of God’s children find a welcome place,
a mystery to nourish, and forgiveness to bless–
the eternal sign of God’s faithfulness.
I give thanks as I look out on earth, sea and sky
that the world was created by the Lord God most high.
Yet we turned away and fell into sin.
Still God’s love is stronger and welcomes us in.
When we were in Egypt our God set us free
and promised a new land for God’s family.
When we broke God’s heart, the prophets did call
us back to God’s ways — a new world for all.
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
how Jesus the savior did come for to die
for poor orn’ry people like you and like I.
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
I still stand astonished that love won the day
and death’s painful sting was driven away
when Jesus rose up and proclaimed victory.
Now the cross is the symbol of God’s love for me.
Therefore we will praise God with one heart and mind
as one great communion of all humankind.
O spirit, move in us and sanctify this meal
that in bread and cup your grace is made real.
One day we will see you in the clear morning light
when you return to your world to set all things right
but until you come in glory again
we strive to be Christlike and sing our Amen.
Deep Well Worship 