Glory to God ‎#725

725. O Jesus, I Have Promised

1 O Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end;
be now and always near me,
my Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if you will be my guide.

2 O let me feel you 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 still nearer
and shield my soul from sin.

3 O let me hear you 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,
true guardian of my soul.

4 O Jesus, you have promised
to all who follow you
that where you are in glory
your servant shall be too.
And, Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end;
now give me grace to follow,
my Master and my friend.

Text Information

• First Line: O Jesus, I have promised
• Title: O Jesus, I Have Promised
• Author: John Ernest Bode (1866, alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  1 Samuel 3:10
  ;
  Psalm 48:14
  ;
  Psalm 119:151
  ;
  Luke 9:23-24
  ;
  Luke 9:57-62
  ;
  John 12:26
  ;
  John 14:3
  ;
  John 15:14
  ;
  Romans 6:12-23
  ;
  Romans 12:11
  ;
  2 Corinthians 5:15
  ;
  Colossians 3:24
  ;
  1 Peter 2:25
  ;
  Revelation 14:13
• Topic: Baptism; Commitment; Discipleship and Mission; Guidance; Obedience; Temptation; Trusting in the Promises of God

Tune Information

• Name: NYLAND
• Adapter and Harmonizer: David Evans (1927)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Finnish folk melody
• Copyright: Adapt. and Harm.© 1927 Oxford University Press
• Notes: (alternate tune: ANGEL’S STORY, 724)

Text Information:

This hymn written by an Anglican clergyman for the confirmation of his children in Victorian times appears here in updated language that may help to make its challenging commitments more immediate. The tune is named for the province in Finland from which it comes.