Verse 1 (sung at the beginning)
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, oh, abide with me.
Verse 2 (sung at the ending)
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 Lord who changes not, abide with me.
Verse 3
I need your presence every passing hour;
What but your grace
Can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who like yourself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me
Verse 4
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.
Verse 5
Hold now your 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.
Amen.
