Abide<\/strong>; to stay, live somewhere, stand by, endure with, hang in, accept or act in accordance with.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/i>The hymn tune was composed b William Henry Monk, an English organist in 1861 and best know for his composition Eventide used for this hymn.<\/p>\n
The author of the hymn, Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847), was an Anglican priest and vicar of All Saints Church in Brixham, England. For most of his life, Lyte suffered from poor health, and he would regularly travel abroad for relief, as was the tradition in that day. His daughter, Anna Maria Maxwell Hogg, recounts the story of how \u201cAbide with Me\u201d came out of that context.<\/p>\n
Dictionary of Hymnology, Vol. 1 puts it this way:<\/p>\n
The summer was passing away, and the month of September and each day seemed to have a special value as being one day nearer his departure.<\/p>\n
His family were surprised and almost alarmed at his announcing his intention of preaching once more to his people. His weakness and the possible danger attending the effort were urged to prevent it, but in vain. \u201cIt was better\u201d, as he used to say often playfully, when in comparative health, \u201cto wear out than to rust out\u201d. He felt that he should be enabled to fulfill his wish, and feared not for the result. His expectation was well-founded. He did preach, and amid the breathless attention of his hearers, gave them a sermon on the Holy Communion. . . .<\/p>\n
In the evening of the same day, he placed in the hands of a near and dear relative the little hymn, \u2018Abide with Me\u2019, with an air of his own composing.<\/p>\n
The hymn is popular across many Christian <\/span>denominations, not only at funerals but was said to have been a favorite of <\/span>King George<\/span> V <\/span><\/sup><\/sup>and\u00a0Mahatma<\/span> Gandhi, played at many events be it Anzac day or even the FA cup final about 15 minutes before the kick-off of the match!
\n<\/span>
\nNot a brief glance I beg<\/strong>, a passing word,
\nBut as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples, Lord,
\nFamiliar, condescending, patient, free.
\nCome not to sojourn, but abide with me.<\/p>\nEach verse ends in the plea \u201cabide with me,\u201d making the hymn a sustained call for God\u2019s personal presence in every stage and condition of life. The hymn resonates deeply with the hearts of those who feel their need of God.<\/p>\n
Here the beautiful version I came across yesterday by Audrey Assad
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