While walking home from church after we’d sung Horatius Bonar’s hymn ‘I heard the voice of Jesus say’, I was thinking what a shame it was that he hadn’t written more than three verses. The obvious next thought was, ‘Stop complaining and have a go!’ It turned out to be much harder than I realised, and I doubt the end result is all that good. But it might prompt a better versifier to have a go.
Four extra verses for ‘I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say’
Tune: Kingsfold
Based on John 6:35-40; 10:2-4, 11, 27-29; 11:25-26; and 14:2-6
4. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am the living bread,
I’ve come to bring the world new life; its cost is my blood shed.
I give it free to all who come, and drive no one away.”
My endless hunger’s ended now: I feast on him each day.
5. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Your shepherd I will be.
Because I give my life for you, you’ll live eternally.”
He searched and found me, called my name; I’m safe inside his pen.
He knows me, leads me, holds me fast: I won’t be lost again.
6. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I have new life to give.
My resurrection conquers death, and guarantees you’ll live;
My rising means a bright new world, where death no more holds sway.”
He’s now my life, my hope; the dawn of everlasting day.
7. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I’ll make a place for you
inside my Father’s spacious house, where life is always new.
When this life’s done, I’ll come for you, and take you home with me.”
I want no other guide or home; no better place to be.
And here is my second and only other attempt, which resulted from walking home after singing ‘Abide with me’ at church. I thought, ‘But nobody “abides” these days!’
‘Abide with me’ updated
Tune: Eventide
1. Stay with me, Lord, when daylight fades away
And death’s dark night arrives to end the day.
All other helpers fail, too weak like me;
Help of the helpless, Lord, remain with me.
2. Like grass that withers, earthly life is brief;
Its joys soon gone, with death a cruel thief.
Change and decay mark all that I can see—
But I’ll stand firm if you remain with me.
3. Through all my days I need you at my side,
as my protector and my constant guide.
Because my sin brings harm and misery,
Transform me, Lord, as you remain with me.
4. You hold me fast to bring me through my fears;
Your tender touch will heal my wounds and tears.
Death comes defeated, deprived of victory;
Life cannot end while you remain with me.
5. Hold up your cross before my dying eyes:
Pledge of eternal glory when I rise.
In life and death, my true security,
My lasting joy, that you remain with me.
Allan was raised and converted in WA, and has served as a pastor, AFES worker, and theological teacher in WA, the UK, Malaysia, and back in Perth. * The lyrics in this article are © 2025 Allan Chapple.
If you would like to use them, please contact him using