O Jesus I Have Promised
When John Bode served the parish
of Castle Camps near Cambridge
England, in the middle of the
19th century, he had the privilege
of officiating the confirmation
of his daughter and two sons.
This hymn was written for the
occasion, and originally the first line
was: O Jesus, we have promised
as all three children were making the
dedication themselves to the Lord.
Tho Bode wrote the hymn for young
people and referred to the alluring
temptations in the world,its message
applies to Christians of any age.
Lord, we dedicate to Serve You:
Our greatest desire is that You
will keep on loving others as long
as life lasts, in order to make
certain that what You hope for
will come true. Then You will not
become spiritually dull & indifferent.
Instead, you will follow the example
of those who are going to inherit
God’s promises because of their
faith and endurance (Heb 6:11-12).
Lord, grant that I may always
allow myself to be guided by You;
always following Your plans, and
fully accomplishing Your will.
Grant in all things, great & small,
I may do what You require of me.
Help me respond to the prompting
of Your grace, so that I may be
Your instrument for Your glory.
And grant that Your will be done in
time and in eternity thro me. Amen.
Lord, there are things that cause
me to lose hope and stamina in
serving U: things like fear of failure,
negativity from others & exhaustion.
Grant me grace to counteract these
discouragements. And I commit to
be faithful in serving You; resolve to
be resilient & keep moving forward
even if it takes me outside my
comfort zone. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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…
O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear:
O Jesus I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my friend. Amen.