The United Methodist Hymnal

396

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 E. Bode, ca. 1866
MUSIC: Arthur H. Mann, 1881
Scripture: Luke 9:57
Theme: Commitment; Discipleship and Service; Guidance; Installation Services; Jesus Christ: Presence; Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Personal Holiness