The Presbyterian Hymnal: Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs

389

O Jesus, I Have Promised

1.  O Jesus, I have promised
    To serve Thee to the end;
    Be Thou forever near me,
    My Master and my friend;
    I shall not fear the battle
    If Thou art by my side,
    Nor wander from the pathway
    If Thou wilt be my guide.

2.  O let me feel Thee near me!
    The world is ever near;
    I see the sights that dazzle,
    The tempting sounds I hear;
    My foes are ever near me, 
    Around me and within;
    But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer
    And shield my soul from sin.

3.  O let me hear Thee speaking
    In accents clear and still,
    Above the storms of passion,
    The murmurs of self-will;
    O speak to reassure me, 
    To hasten or control;
    O speak, and make me listen,
    Thou guardian of my soul.

4.  O Jesus, Thou hast promised
    To all who follow Thee
    That where Thou art in glory
    There shall Thy servant be;
    And, Jesus, I have promised
    To serve Thee to the end;
    O give me grace to follow,
    My Master and my friend.

WORDS: John Ernest Bode, 1866
MUSIC: Finnish folk melody Adapt. And Harm. David Evans, 1927
Scripture: John 12:26 Hebrews 13:5-6
Theme: Life in Christ