A Lung Full Of Breath To Sing (Tom Rutter)

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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
'Abide with me' is the traditional hymn of the FA that is always sung an hour or so before kick off on Cup Final each year. In 2016 I was fortunate enough to have 4 tickets with my brother-in law and my two nephews to stand under the Wembley arch and hear the band strike up this tune. However, to my surprise no one around us knew the words! Starting to sing louder I fulfilled a lifetime ambition to start a chorus of singing at Wembley stadium (admittedly just one block) but by the final verse our section was in full voice blasting the anthem out!
This year will be so different from the past, however these famous words encourage us all, that God promises in spite of what life throws at us that He will abide with us. I hope you find these words some comfort today...
Prayer –
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, oh, 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
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
Abide with me, abide with me
Tom Rutter

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