A devotional guide for remembering Christ’s sacrifice

Communion Sunday is a sacred moment in the life of the church. It draws believers back to the cross, to the shed blood and broken body of Christ, and to the unity we share as one body in Him (1 Corinthians 10:16–17). Hymns sung during the Lord’s Supper should help the congregation reflect, repent, give thanks, and worship with reverence and faith. Below are twenty time tested hymns that are especially fitting for Communion Sunday, each with a brief devotional explanation.

1. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Isaac Watts’ classic hymn centers the believer’s gaze on the cross itself. It invites humble reflection, reminding us that communion flows from Christ’s sacrifice and calls for a life fully surrendered to Him (Galatians 6:14).

2. Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed

This hymn leads the worshiper into personal repentance and gratitude. It helps communicants examine their hearts, recognizing that Christ suffered for our sin, not in the abstract, but personally (Romans 5:8).

3. At the Cross

A simple yet powerful meditation on the moment faith meets the cross. It connects well with communion by emphasizing forgiveness, new birth, and the cleansing power of Christ’s blood (1 John 1:7).

4. There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood

William Cowper’s hymn focuses on the cleansing efficacy of Christ’s blood. During communion, it reinforces the biblical truth that forgiveness and justification come only through the blood of the Lamb (Hebrews 9:22).

5. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

This deeply reverent hymn contemplates the physical and emotional suffering of Christ. It slows the congregation down and encourages quiet meditation on the cost of redemption (Isaiah 53:5).

6. Beneath the Cross of Jesus

This hymn portrays the cross as both a place of refuge and revelation. It fits communion well by reminding believers that the Lord’s Table is a place of rest, safety, and renewed faith.

7. Lamb of God, Pure and Holy

Rooted in John 1:29, this hymn presents Christ as the spotless sacrificial Lamb. It directly connects to the meaning of the bread and cup as symbols of substitutionary atonement.

8. Jesus Paid It All

A strong declaration of the finished work of Christ. Communion celebrates what Christ has already accomplished, not what we add to it (John 19:30).

9. In the Cross of Christ I Glory

This hymn teaches believers to boast only in the cross. It aligns well with communion by turning attention away from self and toward Christ alone.

10. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

A prayerful hymn of refuge and grace. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, both central truths remembered at the Lord’s Table.

11. Nothing but the Blood

Simple and doctrinally clear, this hymn reinforces the exclusivity of Christ’s blood for forgiveness. It is especially effective when sung just before or after the cup is distributed.

12. Lead Me to Calvary

This hymn explicitly asks God to keep the cross central in the believer’s life. Communion answers that prayer by visibly and corporately remembering Christ’s death.

13. Hallelujah, What a Savior

Also known as Man of Sorrows, this hymn traces Christ’s humiliation, death, and triumph. It helps worshipers connect the sorrow of the cross with the joy of redemption.

14. Saved By The Blood Of The Crucified One

This reflective hymn encourages self examination, an essential biblical command connected to communion (Romans 5:8).

15. Behold the Lamb

Though more modern, this hymn is deeply theological and explicitly written for communion. It unites remembrance, proclamation, and hope in Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 11:26).

16. My Faith Looks Up to Thee

A hymn of trust and dependence. Communion is a moment to renew faith in Christ’s atoning work and ongoing intercession.

17. The Old Rugged Cross

This beloved hymn draws attention to the shame and suffering of the cross, while also affirming its glory. It resonates strongly with congregations during communion.

18. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

A prayer for ongoing grace flowing from Calvary. It reminds believers that communion is not only remembrance but a call to daily dependence on Christ.

19. According to Thy Gracious Word

Written specifically with the Lord’s Supper in mind, this hymn reflects on Christ’s promise and presence as believers partake by faith.

20. Go to Dark Gethsemane

This hymn invites the church to walk through Christ’s suffering step by step. It deepens understanding of the events that led to the cross and prepares hearts for sober remembrance.

Communion hymns should never be filler. They are sung theology, shaping how believers understand the cross, the gospel, and their own hearts. When chosen carefully, these hymns help the church obey Christ’s command, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19), with reverence, clarity, and faith.