O for a closer walk with God
Story
The words of this song will be familiar to many – the words to the verses are from William Cowper’s well-known hymn, although the chorus is my own. I was drawn to the original because of its passionate intensity to be on fire for God. This kind of passion is all-too-often missing in those of us who have been Christians for a long time – as though fervour and enthusiasm is something you’re supposed to grow out of! I wanted this version of the song to be a timely reminder to all of us that God wants us to earnestly seek Him.
Lyrics
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.
Where is the blessèdness I knew
When I first saw the Lord?
Where is that soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word?
O Fire of God, come burn in me
Renew a holy passion
Till Christ my deepest longing be
My never-failing fountain
My never-failing fountain
What peaceful hours I once enjoyed,
How sweet the memory still!
But they have left an aching void
The world can never fill!
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me tear if from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.
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.