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!
Return, O holy Dove, return!
Sweet messenger of rest;
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.
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.
William Cowper (1731-1800)