743

O God, You Are My God

Scripture References

Further Reflections on Scripture References

This text is a simple prayer to God, showing our intent to serve and follow God in our lives. The use of “ever praise” in the repeated first lines gives it a sense of formality, almost as if we the worshipers are taking an oath. The text seems to shift between this formality and the more familiar (“and step by step you’ll lead me”) in a way that allows both to shine through.

 

Sing! A New Creation

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

The Canons of Dort V, 13 explain that our assurance of eternal security and perseverance cannot “produce immorality or lack of concern for godliness in those put back on their feet after a fall, but it produces a much greater concern to observe carefully the way which the Lord prepared in advance” and it is “an incentive to a serious and continuous practice of thanksgiving and good works...” (Canons of Dort V, 12) Therefore, this sub-section contains songs which express both the desire and the commitment of the believer to walk in obedience for holy living. Woven throughout these songs are expressions of fervent desire for holy living, a dedication to follow God’s will, a surrender of one’s will, and prayers for the Holy Spirit to continue his sanctifying work.

743

O God, You Are My God

Additional Prayers

A Prayer for God’s Leading
Loving God, you led your people out of Egypt through the wilderness
and into the Promised Land.
Lead us too.
 
You led your son Jesus out of the grave in second Exodus.
Lead us too.
 
You led the great apostle Paul through rivers, past robbers, out of shipwreck, into world evangelism.
Lead us too, O God. Lead us in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
743

O God, You Are My God

Tune Information

Name
STEP BY STEP
Key
G Major
Meter
6.7.6.7.8.9.7.10

Recordings

Musical Suggestion

This song can be celebratory, stately, or meditative, depending on its use in a service. There is much syncopation in the melody, but not when the words “step by step” are sung, giving it an almost march-like quality for those few notes. For the rest of the time, though, allow the song to breathe. A strong guitar strum (heavy on the first and third beats) is effective on this song, and piano can also be used well. The first two lines are wonderful when sung in unison, giving added weight to the text. 
— Sing! A New Creation
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O God, You Are My God

Hymn Story/Background

This chorus was extracted from “Sometimes by Step,” a song written by David “Beaker Strasser and Richard Wayne “Rich” Mullins (1955-1997), a song writer and performing artist. In the 1980’s Mullins moved to Nashville where he began his professional recording career. He studied at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, earning a BA in music in 1995, and then moved to a Navajo reservation in New Mexico to teach music to children as well as continue his active performing and recording ministry. He died in a traffic accident on his way to a benefit concert. Ragamuffin, a narrative feature film based on his life, was released in 2013. 
— Emily Brink

Author and Composer Information

This chorus extracted from a longer song was written by David “Beaker” Strasser, friend and musical partner of Rich Mullins, a Christian artist who was known for his insightful lyrics and unorthodox style. 
— Emily Brink

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