The words of this lovely hymn moved my heart when we sang it in church a few weeks ago. Take a few minutes to listen and sing/pray along with this hymn. If you are reading this through email you may have to go to the blog to see the YouTube video for the recording, then read the “rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would say.
John Ernest Bode (1816-1874) wrote the words to this hymn and gave the church one of its most enduring hymns of Christian discipleship. This hymn has its origins in the confirmation of the poet’s daughter and two sons in 1866. It was published two years later as a leaflet by Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and was called the “Hymn for the Newly Confirmed.”
It was so popular that Bishops in the Church of England were weary of singing it and discouraged its use at confirmations. When I went to YouTube to find a video to share here on the blog I was surprised at the number of variations of the tune to this hymn, so you may know it by a different melody.
Born in London, John Ernest Bode was educated at both Eton and Charterhouse, as well as Christ Church, Oxford (B.A., 1837; M.A., 1840). His service as a Fellow of Christ Church (1841-1847) included taking Holy Orders as deacon in 1841 and priest, 1843. Bode served as a vicar at Westwell, Oxfordshire and Castle Camps, Cambridgeshire.
John Ernest Bode was an Anglican clergyman serving a small parish near Cambridge, England, when his three children, a daughter and two sons, were ready for confirmation. Bode not only presided over their confirmation, but also wrote this hymn especially for the occasion. He told his children that “I have written a hymn concerning all the important truths I want you to remember.” What a gift and a memorable message from a father to his children. Makes me want to think deeply what to give to my grandchildren when they are confirmed next April. I am not a hymn writer though.
The lyrics contain some wonderful contrast words: Master and Friend, Savior and Friend. And great prayers: give me grace to follow. O let me see Thy footprints, and in them plant mine own. O speak and make me listen. O guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end.
I think this could be a hymn we could sing each day and find meaning and hope.
What hymn/song has brought life you you lately?
Jean, I love this old hymn and remember it well now that you’ve played it for us. This is the music that comes to me in the night, that comforts and soothes and reassures me that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What consolation, what hope!
This would be a great hymn of comfort for night time, full of hope and comfort! almost a lullaby!
I remember this hymn from my youth and childhood. The tune immediately came to mind–the one you chose to share, Jean. You’re right–the lyrics provide a worthy prayer we could offer God frequently!
I had fun listening to the various other hymn settings too but liked this one the best.
I can’t believe I’ve never heard this before, Jean. What a beautiful hymn and perfect words to confirm our commitment to Jesus. I did like the contrast words that you pointed out, too. Makes me think of Alpha and Omega. God runs the gauntlet!
Blessings!
I thought is was beautiful too. Glad you could discover it, Martha!
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Jean.
Glad you liked this, Yvonne. I know the hymn moved me too