Close to Thee (#172)

Thou my everlasting portion, more than friend or life to me,
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, Thou wilt walk with me.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee;
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, Thou wilt walk with me.
Not for ease or worldly pleasure, not for fame my prayer shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer, keep me walking, Lord, with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee;
Gladly will I toil and suffer, keep me walking, Lord, with Thee.
Lead me through the vale of shadows, bear me o’er life’s fitful sea:
Then the gate of life eternal, I shall enter, Lord, with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee;
Then the gate of life eternal, I shall enter, Lord, with Thee.