This song doesn’t need a huge introduction. The lyrics of this song are sweet to the soul as they speak to our hearts deepest need, GOD. I don’t know how often I’ve needed a prayer like this and I am grateful for poets who assist me with words. I hope this song becomes a prayer for us at South. No matter what we achieve or don’t achieve, our greatest need is for God.
The version we play at South is a very simple rendition put together by Indelible Grace. They have wonderful online hymnal where you can gather chords, lyrics, and music for this version.
You can read a full history of this hymn here.
Lyrics
1. Abide with me; falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers, fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, abide with me.
2. Thou on my head, in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious, and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, though I oft left Thee,
On to the close Lord, 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, abide with me.
4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
Where is thy sting death? Where grave thy victory?
I triumph still, 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, Lord, abide with me.
©2007 Justin Smith Music All rights reserved.
