O Jesus I Have Promised
Backgrounder: 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. While Bode wrote the hymn
for young people and referred
to the alluring temptations of
the world, its message applies
to Christians of any age.
Lord, we dedicate ourselves to U:
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 full and
indifferent. Instead, u 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 follow your plans, and
perfectly accomplish your will.
Grant that in all things, great
and small this day that I may
do whatever you require of me.
Help me respond to the slightest
prompting of your grace,
so that I may be your trustworthy
instrument for your glory.
May your will be done in time
and in eternity through me.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
Ny 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:
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But Jesus draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
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.
Backgrounder: 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. While Bode wrote the hymn
for young people and referred
to the alluring temptations of
the world, its message applies
to Christians of any age.
Lord, we dedicate ourselves to U:
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 full and
indifferent. Instead, u 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 follow your plans, and
perfectly accomplish your will.
Grant that in all things, great
and small this day that I may
do whatever you require of me.
Help me respond to the slightest
prompting of your grace,
so that I may be your trustworthy
instrument for your glory.
May your will be done in time
and in eternity through me.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
Ny 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:
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But Jesus draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
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.