Abide with me

A-bide with me, fast falls the eventide.

The darkness deepens, Lord, with me a-bide.

When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,

help of the helpless, oh, a - bide with me!

2. I need thy presence every passing hour!

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?

Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, oh, a - bide with me !

3. Swift to it's close ebbs out life's little day.

Earth's joys grow dim, it's glories pass a-way.

Change and decay in all around I see.

O Thou who changest not, a - bide with me !

4. Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word.

But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,

Familiar, condescending, patient, free.

Come not to sojourn, but a - bide with me!

5. Come not in terror, as the King of kings,

But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings.

Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.

Come, Friend of sinners, thus a - bide with me!

6. Thou on my head in every youth didst smile.

And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,

Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.

On to the close, O Lord, a - bide with me.

7. 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 a - bide with me!

8. Hold thou thy cross be-fore 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, a - bide with me