Abide With Me Lyrics
Tune Name: EVENTIDE
Composer: William H. Monk
Meter: 10.10.10.10
Hymnbook Source: Hymns Ancient & Modern (1861)
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
Come now in power, as the King of kings,
All kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Save from my woes, and hear O Lord my plea-
Come, Friend of sinners, and abide with me.
Verse 4
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, Lord, abide with me.
Verse 5
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.
Verse 6
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, & earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Abide With Me |
| Author / Lyricist | Henry Francis Lyte (1793–1847) |
| Composer / Tune | William H. Monk (1823–1889) |
| Date Written / Published | 1847 |
| Historical Context | Written in England; reflects personal devotion and prayer for God’s presence during life’s trials. |
| Theme / Message | God’s presence and comfort through life and death. |
| Notable Features | Reflective, meditative tone; widely used in funeral and memorial services. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Prominent in Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian traditions; traditional hymn for funerals. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Henry Francis Lyte, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1793–1847 | Lyte authored the hymn, emphasizing divine presence and comfort in times of trouble. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian praises its enduring popularity at funerals and daily devotionals. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns on God’s abiding presence reflect similar devotional themes. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale notes the hymn’s lyrical simplicity and its ability to inspire personal reflection. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees comments on its meditative quality and suitability for congregational worship. |
Abide With Me - Eventide (Henry Francis Lyte)… William Henry Monk
"Abide With Me" was written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847 and is set to the tune "Eventide" by William Henry Monk. The hymn is a prayer for God's presence and guidance through life's trials and is often sung at funerals and solemn occasions. The hymn's enduring popularity is a testament.
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