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 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.
Lyrics: John Ernest Bode
Music: Arthur Henry Mann
Tune: ANGEL'S STORY
Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
John E. Bode, 1816–1874
“O Jesus, I Have Promised” was written by an English clergyman on a special day. It was penned especially for a confirmation service in which John Bode’s own daughter and two sons were making their life’s vows of commitment to God and His service. He told his three children: “I have written a hymn containing all the important truths I want you to remember when you are fully confirmed.”