Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#466

466. 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 Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I sought 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: O for a closer walk with God
• Author: William Cowper, 1731 - 1800
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: The Church Year: Septuagesima to Lent; The Church Year: Lent; Confirmation; The Life in Christ: Aspiration; The Life In Christ: The Inner Life
• Notes: This hymn may also be sung to DEDHAM (No. 428)

Tune Information

• Name: CAITHNESS
• Meter: C. M.
• Key: E♭ Major