GHS 89 : O Jesus, I Have Promised Lyrics
GHS 89, “O Jesus, I Have Promised,” is a vow hymn written by John Ernest Bode in 1868, originally composed for his own children’s confirmation service. The hymn is structured as a personal promise made to Christ: a commitment to serve Him to the end of life, with a clear acknowledgment of the spiritual battles, distractions, and temptations that make that promise difficult to keep. Rather than treating commitment as something the believer achieves on their own strength, the hymn constantly turns to Jesus as the One who must draw near, speak, guide, and guard the soul that has made this promise.
This hymn appears as number 89 in the Gospel Hymns and Songs (GHS) collection, used in Deeper Life Bible Church and related assemblies across West Africa. It is well suited to confirmation and dedication services, as well as any occasion calling believers to renew their commitment to walk with Christ.
Hymn Lyrics – GHS 89: O Jesus, I Have Promised
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O Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; Be Thou for ever 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
