African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal ‎#82

82. 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,
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's refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word,
Where is the soul's 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,
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,
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
And drove Thee from my breast.

5 The dearest idol I have known,
What e'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee,
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,
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: O for a closer walk with God
• Title: O For a Closer Walk with God
• Author: William Cowper, 1731-1800
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2011
• Scripture:
  Genesis 5:24
• Topic: God the Father: His Presence; God: Abiding Presence
• Notes: Alternate tune: MARTYRDOM

Tune Information

• Name: ZERAH
• Composer: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872
• Meter: CM
• Key: C Major
• Notes: Lower key (Bb), No. 22