One Thing I of The Lord Desire - Hymn Lyrics

 

1. One thing I of the Lord desire,
For all my path hath miry been:
Be it by water or by fire,
Oh, make me clean, oh, make me clean!

Chorus:

So wash me, Thou, without, within,
Or purge with fire, if that must be;
No matter how, if only sin
Die out in me, die out in me.

2. I watch to shun the miry way,
And staunch the springs of guilty thought;
But, watch and struggle as I may,
Pure I am not, pure I am not.

3. If clearer vision Thou impart,
Grateful and glad my soul shall be,
But yet to have a purer heart
Is more to me, is more to me.


4. Yea, only as this heart is clean
May larger vision yet be mine,
For mirrored in the depths are seen
The things divine, the things divine.

"One Thing I of the Lord Desire" is a hymn rooted in deep longing for the presence of God, drawing heavily from Psalm 27:4 (KJV):

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…”

🕊 Hymn: "One Thing I of the Lord Desire"

• Text & Tune by: James Montgomery (text) / Thomas Ravenscroft (tune - "Tallis’ Ordinal")

• Theme: Worship, Devotion, Seeking God

• Scripture Inspiration: Psalm 27:4

📖 Hymn Story:

James Montgomery (1771–1854), a British poet and hymn writer, was known for his lyrical ability to express deep spiritual truths. This hymn, though not as widely sung today as some of his other works, beautifully captures the essence of a soul wholly devoted to God. Its message resonates with those who yearn to walk closely with the Lord in the beauty of holiness and the quietness of His sanctuary.

The melody "Tallis’ Ordinal" gives it a solemn and meditative character, making it suitable for reflective worship settings.

This hymn might not directly speak of temptation, but it fits beautifully into a "response to temptation" or "pursuit of holiness" theme—longing to be cleansed and remain in God's presence.