Beneath the Forms of Outward Rite

321 Beneath the Forms of Outward Rite

1 Beneath the forms of outward rite
   thy supper, Lord, is spread
   in every quiet upper room
   where fainting souls are fed.

2 The bread is always consecrate
   that friend divide with friend;
   each act of true community
   repeats thy feast again.

3 The blessed cup is only passed
   true memory of thee,
   when life anew pours out its wine
   with rich sufficiency.

4 O Master, through these symbols shared,
   thine own dear self impart,
   that in our daily life may flame
   the passion of thy heart.
                         James A. Blaisdell
                         Methodist Hymnal, 1964 edition

<idle musing>
I don't recall ever singing this hymn—and it only occurs in about 17 hymnals. Seems he only wrote 3–4 hymns and was the president of a small liberal arts Christian college and "developed the vision of small liberal arts colleges sharing common facilities."
</idle musing>