O Jesus I Have Promised, ELW 810
Devotion
O Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end;
remain forever near me,
my master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle
if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if you will be my guide.
Oh, let me feel you 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, then draw nearer
to shield my soul from sin.
Oh, let me hear you speaking
in accents clear and still
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will.
Now speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
now speak and make me listen,
O Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, you have promised
to all who follow you
that where you are in glory
your servant shall be too.
And Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end;
oh, give me grace to follow,
my master and my friend.
In John's Gospel, Jesus says, "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor." We are reminded that in our promise to serve the Lord, we will face temptations and struggles, but we are claimed as God's people and will not walk alone. Jesus is here with us now and has set the way for us. Jesus has promised that all who follow him will live with him in glory.
Prayer
"Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end; give me grace to follow, my master and my friend." Amen.