Composer: John Ernest Bode
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!
Story behind the song:
John Ernest Bode, a well-respected individual within the Church of England, gained recognition for his hymn that faced initial disapproval from Bishops due to its widespread appeal. Bode, who received his education from esteemed institutions, also delivered impactful lectures at Oxford, addressing the growing presence of Catholicism in England. Published in 1866 and featured in numerous hymnals, his hymn, inspired by a verse from John 12, has enjoyed enduring popularity. However, there have been criticisms of its excessive use, leading some Bishops to request that clergy refrain from singing it during confirmations.