Abide with Me - Easy Fingerstyle Guitar Hymn

Arrangement by Hal Leonard
Guitar: Taylor 214ce Deluxe
Tuning: Standard
No Capo

Buy the "Fingerpicking Hymns Guitar Book from Hal Leonard: https://amzn.to/4qXvo21


Backstory of “Abide with Me”

Title: Abide with Me
Lyrics: Henry Francis Lyte: 1793 – 1847
Music: William Henry Monk 1823 – 1889
Written: 1847


How It Was Written:

“Abide with Me,” written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847 during the final months of his life, is a heartfelt prayer for God’s presence through life’s trials and the approach of death. Set to the timeless tune “Eventide” by William Henry Monk, this hymn has comforted generations and remains one of the most beloved in Christian worship. Its message of hope, faith, and divine companionship continues to inspire and uplift all who sing it.


Lyrics:

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.

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.

3 I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

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.

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.