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