Just a Closer Walk with Thee
I am weak but thou art strong, Jesus keep me from all wrong
Just a Closer Walk with Thee is a hymn text by Anonymous (gospel song) (1880) in Irregular meter. Found in elw 697. Sung to CLOSER WALK.
A deeply personal gospel song of dependence on Christ for strength in weakness. The simple text expresses the desire for closeness with Jesus through daily life and at death. The tune's association with New Orleans jazz funerals gives it a particular character of grief and hope.
History & Background
A traditional gospel song of uncertain origin, possibly 19th century. Widely used in Southern gospel and African American church traditions. Popularized as a New Orleans jazz funeral standard.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 697
Bulletin Note
Just a Closer Walk with Thee — Traditional gospel
Preaching Connection
Walking closely with Christ through weakness and toward death.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Personal reconciliation through Christ's sacrifice → communal unity in shared meal → breaking down human divisions through love → global interconnectedness in God's family
Themes
Trust Weakness Dependence Gospel