The darkness deepens, Lord, with me a-bide.
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, oh, a - bide with me!
2. I need thy presence every passing hour!
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, a - bide with me !
3. Swift to it's close ebbs out life's little day.
Earth's joys grow dim, it's glories pass a-way.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O Thou who changest not, a - bide with me !
4. Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word.
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but a - bide with me!
5. Come not in terror, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings.
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus a - bide with me!
6. Thou on my head in every youth didst smile.
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, a - bide with me.
7. 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 a - bide with me!
8. Hold thou thy cross be-fore 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, a - bide with me!
