Abide With Me

A favorite of mine that is too often relegated just to funerals.  The thoughts expressed are worthy of more frequent expression and in other settings.  Leaders should also consider the source of the song:  the request made to Jesus by the two men on the road to Emmaus.  This is, of course, our request also.  The possible (but debated) link to communion is also notable:  Jesus was revealed to the men in the breaking of bread.

Original 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 ev’ry passing hour:
What but THY grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who like THYSELF my guide and stay can be?
Thro’ 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;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Lyrics by Henry F. Lyte 

Renewal 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;
LORD GOD who CHANGES not, abide with me!

I need YOUR presence ev’ry passing hour:
What but YOUR grace can foil [THWART] the tempter’s pow’r?
Who like YOURSELF my guide and stay can be?
Thro’ cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!

I fear no foe with YOU at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where grave, YOUR victory?
I triumph still if YOU abide with me!

Hold NOW YOUR cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Renewal lyric changes by RH Reinhard (c) 2014