Abide with me

Abide with me is a popular hymn. The lyrics were written by Henry Francis Lyte, a Scotsman living in Devon, England in 1847. The music was written by composer William Henry Monk. The Hymn was a favourite of King George V and Mahatma Gandhi. Since 1927 the hymn has been sung at The FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium (except for the years 2001 - 2006 when the final was played and the hymn sung at the Millenium Stadium, Cardiff)

Lyrics:

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.

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.

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.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;

ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

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.

Reference: "Hymns Ancient and Modern" Ed. 1861