The story behind the hymn
Henry Francis Lyte was an Anglican clergyman, and he wrote “Abide with Me” in late summer 1847. He preached his last sermon at Lower Brixham on 4 September that year and died at Nice on 20 November.
The hymn was published after his death, in Remains (1850), edited by his daughter. It draws on the Emmaus story in Luke 24:29, where the two travellers ask Jesus to stay with them as evening comes.
The tune most often paired with it, EVENTIDE, was written by William H. Monk. “Evening” in the hymn is a picture of the close of life, which is why it is so often sung at funerals and memorial services.
The Scripture behind it
They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”
Luke 24:29 (World English Bible)
A short reflection
The prayer is short and brave: stay. Not “fix this,” just “stay with me.” In any evening season, that may be the most honest prayer we have.
Lord, abide with me. When the light fails, be my light. Amen.
The full words
Read the full words of this hymn, with tunes and scores, on Hymnary.org.
Read the full hymn text →Source for author, dates and public-domain status: Hymnary.org. Scripture quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).