Church Hymnary (4th ed.) ‎#552a

552a. Oh, for a closer walk with God

1 Oh, for a closer walk with God,
a calm and heavenly frame,
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!

2 Where is the blessedness I knew
when first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
of Jesus and his word?

3 What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void
the world can never fill.

4 Return, O Holy Dove! return,
sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
and drove thee from my breast.

5 The dearest idol I have known,
whate'er that idol be,
help me to tear it from thy throne,
and worship only thee.

6 So shall my walk be close with God,
calm and serene my frame;
so purer light shall mark the road
that leads me to the Lamb.

Text Information

• First Line: Oh, for a closer walk with God
• Author: William Cowper (1731-1800)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2005
• Scripture:
  1 John 5:21
  ;
  2 Timothy 4:9
  ;
  Exodus 20:4-5
  ;
  Genesis 5:22
  ;
  Genesis 5:9
  ;
  Job 29:2-4
  ;
  John 1:29
  ;
  Luke 3:22
  ;
  Luke 19:8
  ;
  Malachi 2:5-6
  ;
  Psalm 51:12
  ;
  Revelation 22:17
• Topic: Our Response to Christ: In Devotion; Our Response to Christ: In Penitence; Holy Spirit: name and images for; Penitence

Tune Information

• Name: MARTYRDOM (FENWICK)
• Composer: Hugh Wilson (1766-1824)
• Adapter: Robert Archibald Smith (1780-1829)
• Meter: CM
• Key: G Major