If I find myself in the middle of the battlefield of life, with no weapon in possession and no help in sight, I can take comfort in the victory of your presence. I can lose all that I have amassed from this life and all that I have called mine in this fading world, and yet be the victor because you are with me.

Though my enemies bury my nose into the ground and kick dirt into my face, yet victory is mine, because you are with me. If you will abide with me through the deepest valleys of life, though no one else will accompany me to those pits of darkness, I will live and will surely not die.

I ask not for vengeance, I ask not for vindication. I ask only for your presence, your company, your comfort. Even if I have to go where no human presence can be found, where there is only darkness and sorrow and doom, your presence will be my deepest consolation.

O help of the helpless, abide with me...

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 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.

Help of the helpless, O abide with me...