comfort

prayer

evening

Abide With Me

Henry Francis Lyte 1847 Tune: Eventide (10.10.10.10)

An evening prayer for Christ's abiding presence in life's fading light.

Quick Answer

An evening prayer for Christ's abiding presence in life's fading light. Written by Henry Francis Lyte (1847), set to the tune "Eventide" by William Henry Monk.

Suggested pairing scripture

Luke 24:29

"But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them."

Read Luke 24:29 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Abide With Me." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at funerals, memorial services, hospital visits, and any time the congregation needs the consolation of God's presence.

Lyrics

Stanza 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.

Stanza 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.

Stanza 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, Lord, abide with me.

Stanza 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.

Stanza 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.

History & Background

Anglican minister Henry Francis Lyte wrote 'Abide With Me' in 1847, three weeks before he died of tuberculosis. The text meditates on Luke 24:29, where the disciples on the Emmaus road plead with the risen Christ to remain with them. William Henry Monk composed the tune 'Eventide' in 1861 for Hymns Ancient and Modern.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Luke 24:29

"But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them."

Read in context

1 Corinthians 15:55

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

What event inspired Abide With Me?

Lyte wrote it as a farewell to his congregation while dying of tuberculosis, drawing the words from Luke 24:29 — the Emmaus disciples' plea to the risen Jesus.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Abide With Me.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

William W. Walford · 1845

presence of god

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Elisha A. Hoffman · 1887

presence of god

It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford · 1873

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Abide With Me

Henry Francis Lyte • 1847

Sweet Hour of Prayer

William W. Walford • 1845

Evening Prayer

A prayer of thankfulness and rest at the close of the day.

Morning Prayer for Strength

Drawing from God's power before the day begins.

Psalm 23:4 — Meaning & Devotional

Comfort in Death

Luke 22:41 Commentary

In-depth study • A Stone's Cast from Comfort

Where to go next

Enjoyed "Abide With Me"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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