Breathing after Holiness

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O that the Lord would guide my ways

Author: Isaac Watts (1719)
Published in 386 hymnals

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Piano/Organ
	All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

Choral
	Three Festive Hymn Settings

Instrumental
	Tidings of Comfort and Joy (Woodwind Sol…

Representative Text

1 Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways
to keep his statutes still!
Oh, that my God would grant me grace
to know and do his will!

2 Order my footsteps by your Word
and make my heart sincere;
let sin have no dominion, Lord,
but keep my conscience clear.

3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray,
a stricter watch to keep,
and should I e'er forget your way,
restore your wand'ring sheep.

4 Make me to walk in your commands—
'tis a delightful road—
nor let my head or heart or hands
offend against my God.

Source: Christian Worship: Hymnal #705

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Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

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First Line:	O that the Lord would guide my ways
Title:	Breathing after Holiness
Author:	Isaac Watts (1719)
Meter:	8.6.8.6
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain

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Tune

EVAN (Havergal)

This tune [EVAN], "the popularity of which in Scotland, America, and the Colonies is quite unprecedented" (Tonic Sol Fa Reporter, May 15, 1870), consists of the 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th strains of "O Thou dread Power" a sacred song by the Rev. W.H. Havergal, the melody being unaltered. EVAN II is the…

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