O Jesus, I Have Promised

Above:  St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Hartwell, Georgia, January 15, 2012

Image Source = Bill Monk, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

(https://picasaweb.google.com/114749828757741527421/BishopWhitmoreSVisitToStAndrewSHartwell#5698311372359816946)

Words (1868) by John Ernest Bode (1816-1874), a priest of The Church of England

Hymn Source = The Hymnal (1933), of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (1869-1958)

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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!