Ancient and Modern ‎#131

131. O for a closer walk with God

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

3 Return, O holy Dove, return,
sweet messenger of rest:
I hate the sins that made thee mourn
and drove thee from my breast.

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

5 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: O for a closer walk with God
• Author: William Cowper (1731-1800)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Job 29:1-3
  ;
  Psalm 42:1-2
  ;
  Ephesians 4:30-31
• Topic: Commitment; Discipleship; Jesus: Names and images for; Lent; Longing; Penitence; Pilgrimage; Proper 14: Year B; Sin; The First Sunday of Lent: Year B
• Notes: May also be sung to BELMONT (425).

Tune Information

• Name: CAITHNESS
• Meter: CM
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Melody from Scottish Psalter, 1635; harmonised by Compilers of English Hymnal, 1906