68. O For a Closer Walk With God

Verse 1

O For a closer walk with God,

A calm and heav’nly frame,

A light to shine upon the road

That leads me to the Lamb.

 

Verse 2

Where is the blessedness I knew

When first I saw the Lord?

Where is that soul-refreshing view

Of Jesus and His word?

 

Verse 3

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!

How sweet their memory still!

But they have left an aching void

The world can never fill?

Verse 4

Return, O Holy Dove! return,

Sweet messenger of rest!

I hate the sins that made Thee mourn, 

And drove Thee from my breast.

 

Verse 5

The dearest idol have known,

Whate’er that idol be,

Help me to tear it from Thy throne, 

And worship only Thee.

 

Verse 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.

Author: William Cowper