The New English Hymnal ‎#331

331. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide

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.

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.

3 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, O abide with me.

4 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.

5 Hold thou thy 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!

Text Information

• First Line: Abide with me; fast falls the eventide
• Author: H. F. Lyte, 1793-1847
• Meter: 10 10 10 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Funerals and The Departed; Evening

Tune Information

• Name: EVENTIDE
• Composer: W. H. Monk, 1823-89
• Meter: 10 10 10 10
• Key: E♭ Major