Text: Henry Francis Lyte, 1793-1847
Tune: EVENTIDE 10. 10. 10. 10.
Genre: Western Hymn
Language: English
Scripture Reference: Psalm 102:26-27
Liturgical Functions/Seasons: Funeral, Evening Service, Closing/Recessional Hymn
Themes: Christian Life, Prayer
Hymnal Reference: Baptist Hymnal edition 1956, #295
This hymn, “Abide With Me,” is a hymn of prayer. The author, Henry Francis Lyte, an Anglican minister, prayed this prayer when he was dying.
“Abide With Me” is a favourite hymn among Christians in Nigeria. The text of this hymn, “Abide With Me,” is so rich and touching. We have used it to pray to God for a family who lost their loved ones for consolation. It is an appropriate song for encouraging the lonely and closing evening worship service because of its “darkness deepens” part in line two of stanza one.
Lyrics
- 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. - 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. - I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me. - I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless,
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me. - 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.
Sources:
Hymnary.org
Baptist Hymnal 1956 edition.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abide_with_Me
Contributed by Solomon Tunde Ajayi.
