Abide With Me
Author: Henry F. Lyte (1847)·Music: William H. Monk·Scripture: Luke 24:29·Topic: Evening Worship
Meaning & History
Written by a dying pastor as evening fell on his own life, Abide With Me is a prayer for Christ's presence at day's end and life's end. It is one of the most requested hymns at funerals and memorial services.
Tonic Sol-fa — Stanza 1
Movable-do sol-fa auto-derived from the public-domain melody in E. A rehearsal aid — check it against the score before printing.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Verse 2
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see — O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Verse 3
I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
Verse 4
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies: Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee — In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.