7 Hymns For The Communion Table (Classic Remembrance)

There is something grounding about singing hymns during Communion. When we come to the Lord’s Table, we are not just joining the people in the room; we are joining the church of all ages. Singing songs that have been sung for centuries reminds us that the blood of Jesus has been saving sinners for a very long time.

While modern worship songs are beautiful, hymns often carry a specific theological weight that is perfect for the sacrament. They tend to focus deeply on the doctrine of atonement, the nature of the blood, and the assurance of salvation. As 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” These hymns are timeless proclamations of that death.

Why Hymns Work For Communion

We selected these songs because:

  • They are doctrinally rich. They explain how we are saved (substitution, blood, grace) with poetic precision.
  • They are familiar. Communion is a reflective time. Knowing the melody by heart allows people to close their eyes and meditate without gluing their eyes to a screen.
  • They are solemn yet joyful. They strike the perfect balance between the gravity of the cross and the joy of redemption.

7 Classics For The Lord’s Supper

  1. The Old Rugged Cross – This is perhaps the most iconic communion hymn of the 20th century. It focuses the mind entirely on the object of our salvation—the cross. Singing “I will cherish the old rugged cross” is a pledge of loyalty to the gospel.
  2. Nothing But The Blood – “What can wash away my sin?” The question and answer format of this hymn makes it a powerful teaching tool. It strips away all other methods of salvation and points solely to “the blood of Jesus.”
  3. How Deep The Father’s Love For Us – While written in the modern era, this song fits perfectly into a hymn set. It is a profound meditation on the cost of the cross: “The Father turns His face away as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.”
  4. Jesus Paid It All – Communion is a celebration of a cleared debt. This hymn starts with our weakness (“thy strength indeed is small”) and ends with His sufficiency. It is the perfect response to holding the cup.
  5. Amazing Grace – The table is the place where grace is dispensed. Singing the original verses of this hymn reminds the congregation that it was grace that “taught my heart to fear” and grace that “my fears relieved.”
  6. Blessed Assurance – “Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.” This hymn connects the blood we celebrate at the table with the assurance of our standing in God’s family.
  7. Crown Him With Many Crowns (Diademata) – “Crown Him the Lord of love; behold His hands and side.” This majesty hymn invites us to look at the wounds of the risen Christ. It is a triumphant way to conclude the communion service.

Example Hymn Setlists

Setlist 1 (The Cleansing Stream)

  1. Nothing But The Blood – Establishes the theme of cleansing.
  2. Jesus Paid It All – Meditates on the sufficiency of the payment.
  3. Amazing Grace – Responds with gratitude for the result.

Setlist 2 (Behold The Man)

  1. The Old Rugged Cross – Draws attention to the suffering.
  2. How Deep The Father’s Love For Us – Reflects on the motive of the Father.
  3. Crown Him With Many Crowns (Diademata) – Shifts the focus to the ascended King.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Strip it back. Hymns sound incredible with just a piano or a single acoustic guitar. The simplicity allows the congregation’s voices to be the primary instrument.
  • Read the lyrics. The poetry in How Deep The Father’s Love For Us is dense. Consider reading a verse out loud before you sing it to let the weight of the words sink in.
  • Go a cappella. There is nothing quite like hearing a church sing the chorus of The Old Rugged Cross without any instrumentation. It creates a holy intimacy appropriate for the table.

Next Steps

Are you looking for a way to deepen the reverence of your communion service? This Sunday, put away the click track and the backing pads, and simply lead the church in Nothing But The Blood. Let the old truths speak for themselves.

By Hannah Sweeney, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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