Bread of Life, Living Water

The sacrament has always held deep significance for author and composer Annette Dickman. But it became even more meaningful one Sunday as she sat at the bedside of her son, who had a life-threatening condition. As two priesthood holders brought the sacrament to the hospital room and spoke the words of the prayers, Sister Dickman understood in a new way that the Savior took upon Himself not only our sins but also our infirmities, both physical and mental (see Alma 7:12).

At another time in her life, recognizing in herself a tendency toward perfectionism, Sister Dickman realized that we are not asked to come to the sacrament having already overcome our sins. Instead, we are to come with a broken heart, ready to receive His forgiveness and healing. The chorus of her hymn reminds us that when we partake of the bread and water of the sacrament, we are inviting Jesus Christ—the Bread of Life and Living Water—to feed and fill our souls. We then become more “whole—complete and holy.” She expressed these precious insights in her hymn “Bread of Life, Living Water.”

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Bread of Life, Living Water

Scriptures

Principles

We can obtain forgiveness of our sins because Jesus Christ suffered for us.
The suffering that Jesus Christ experienced caused Him to tremble and bleed from every pore.
Because Jesus Christ died on the cross and was resurrected, we all will live again.
When we strive to follow Jesus Christ and keep sacred covenants, He can change us and help us become like Him.
When we worthily partake of the sacrament, we can receive promised blessings.

Questions to Ponder

What do Jesus Christ’s titles of “Bread of Life” and “Living Water” mean to you?
How is your life different because of the suffering, sacrifice, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
When have you seen the love and mercy of Jesus Christ bring about a change in a person’s life?

Related Gospel Study Guides

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Activities for Families

Teach how Jesus Christ nourishes our souls. At mealtime, sing or listen to the chorus of the hymn together. Talk about how food and water help keep our bodies healthy. Explain that Jesus Christ is called the “Bread of Life” and “Living Water.” Read John 6:35, 47–51 and John 4:6–15, and discuss how the Savior gives us spiritual nourishment now and promises eternal life to come. Help your children understand that just as food and water are needed for our bodies, Jesus Christ gives us what our spirits need to grow. Invite family members to share times when they have been strengthened or nourished by the Savior. Encourage them to remember those moments during the sacrament and when singing this hymn.
Teach how Jesus Christ can make us “whole—complete and holy.” Help your children understand that challenging experiences in life can sometimes make us feel broken. Showing a broken item such as a dish or toy might make this easier to understand. Testify that as we follow Jesus Christ, He will make us whole again. Sing the words of the chorus together to help your children remember this principle. If possible, you can work together with your children to fix the object that was broken.