In this hymn of consecration, John Ernest Bode's uncompromising lyric is paired with a wonderful humn tune by Arthur Henry Mann. The harmony as Mann originally penned it is so interesting and compelling that there was very little need to tinker with it to create this anthem. A few minor adjustments, writing some transitions, and adjusting the voicing to create variety was all that was needed.

That is not to say the this piece is trivial in any way. A very good choir will still be challenged by its phrasing and complex harmonies.

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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.

Dear Jesus, 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.

Lord, 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.

Lord, give me grace to follow my Master and my friend.

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MP3 sound sample: Entire Piece (synthesizer/midi).



O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED, by Bode and Mann, arranged by Tom Kirkland for unaccompanied SATB choir, comes in a pdf file of 317K, with an eight-page score and a license page, nine pages in all. Performance time should be about three minutes.