The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#518a

518a. O for a closer walk with God

1 O for a closer walk with God,
a constant, heavenly calm;
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!

2 Where is the blessing that 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 The dearest idol I have known —
however must adored —
help me to tear it from Your throne
and worship You as Lord.

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

Text Information

• First Line: O for a closer walk with God
• Author: William Cowper, 1731-1800
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Source: Adapt.: Compliers of Praise!, 2000
• Notes: Now Public Domain (tune)

Tune Information

• Name: STRACATHRO
• Composer: Charles Hutcheson, 1792-1860
• Harmonizer: David Evans, 1874-1948
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major
• Source: Harm.: The Revised Church Hymnary, 1927
• Copyright: Harm. by permission of Oxford University Press