Abide With Me

“Abide with Me” is a hymn that speaks deeply into moments of sorrow, change, and quiet hope. First written in the 1800s, its words have comforted generations. There’s a simplicity in its melody and a depth in its lyrics that draws the heart to pray — especially in times when life feels uncertain or fleeting.

The Story Behind the Hymn

This hymn was written by Henry Francis Lyte, an Anglican pastor and poet. He wrote the lyrics in 1847 while facing the final days of his life. After years of battling illness, Lyte preached his last sermon and went home to rest. That same evening, inspired by Luke 24:29 — “Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent” — he penned the now-famous words: “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.”

He died just a few weeks later, but his hymn lived on. It was later set to music by William H. Monk, who also had suffered personal loss. The music and lyrics together reflect both sorrow and peace — a longing for God’s presence as the day closes, and as life itself fades.

Over the years, “Abide with Me” has been sung in churches, memorials, and national events. It’s even been used in military services and sporting events in the UK. Yet despite all the settings, the heart of the hymn remains the same: a prayer asking Jesus to stay close, especially in life’s most difficult moments.

What Makes It Powerful

“Abide with Me” doesn’t try to offer simple answers. Instead, it offers a plea — quiet and honest — for God to be near when strength is gone and shadows fall. It speaks to real human experience: loss, fear, and the passage of time. But it also lifts the eyes to the hope that Christ does not leave us.

One of the hymn’s most well-known lines is: “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes.” It’s a reminder that at the end of all things, the cross of Christ is our hope and peace.

A verse that captures the heart of this hymn is John 15:4 (NIV):

“Abide in me, as I also abide in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.”

Lyte’s hymn echoes this call — asking not just for help, but for presence. Not just for peace, but for closeness with the Lord.

My Violin Cover

When arranging “Abide with Me” for violin, I focused on keeping the mood reflective and soft. The melody is gentle and mournful, yet full of beauty. I didn’t want to rush it — just let each note breathe, like a quiet prayer.

This hymn doesn’t try to impress — it draws you inward. That’s what I tried to preserve in this version. A simple melody that gives room to feel, remember, and rest in the truth that God stays near.



Listen and Reflect

The video is just below. If you're going through something difficult or just need a reminder of God’s nearness, I hope this helps you pause and reflect. Let the melody carry the words: Abide with me — not just in the evening, but in every moment.

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 no 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;

Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee—

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.