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?
Thru 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 word before my closing eyes,
Shine thru 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!
~ Henry F. Lyte
