“Abide with me...”

This hymn text has been a favorite in our family. We found out today that the Bob Jones Academy choirs sang a new arrangement – written for Jona – at their concert this evening. Several extended family members (including Uncle Daniel) were able to attend the event. What a blessing!

Jona is looking forward to hearing the arrangement. We’re not sure which stanzas were sung, but I’m posting a few of the more familiar stanzas here; you can see several other not-so-familiar stanzas (and hear the traditional tune) at cyberhymnal.org.

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.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Words: Henry F. Lyte, 1847