Abide With Me

I was flipping through the Psalter Hymnal again today (I can't help myself...I enjoy it so much!), and found a hymn that absolutely grabbed my attention. I've never sung it before (I've never even heard of it before), but I have a feeling this will stay with me for a long time.

I think the main reason why this captures me is because it speaks the words that I often try to say -- the words my heart often prays when I wake up in the middle of the night. And although I'm not nearly so eloquent, I often find myself praying with this same spirit. This song is a translation for my faint and often wordless whispers.

Maybe it will be a translation for yours, too.

[edit: I found all the verses, a little bit of background, and the music to this song on the Cyber Hymnal. It's just a cheesy midi, but the melody struck me anyway. You can go to it here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/b/abidewme.htm]
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"Abide With Me"
-Henry Lyte

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 bitternes.
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.