For the New Year

While sitting in church yesterday, I came across the words to this hymn written by John E. Bode...I thought it appropriate as we begin a new year...

"O Jesus I Have Promised"

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 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.

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 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!