Abide with Us the Day is Waning
Abide with us, the day is waning
Abide with Us the Day is Waning is a hymn text by Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1817) in 7.6.7.6.D meter. Translated by Carl Döving. Found in lbw 263, lw 334, tlh 194. Sung to EVENTIDE.
This hymn embodies Lutheran confidence in Christ's perpetual intercession and consoling presence, drawing the faithful into fellowship with the risen Christ through sacramental and communal worship. It reflects Grundtvig's ecclesiology emphasizing the church as the continuing embodiment of Christ's presence in history.
History & Background
Written by Danish hymnodist Grundtvig in 1817, this hymn reflects on the Emmaus road account and Christ's abiding presence. It was translated into English by Carl Döving in 1909 and became widely used in Lutheran hymnals throughout the twentieth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 263
- Lutheran Worship — 334
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 194
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Danish bishop Grundtvig in 1817, this evening hymn expresses Lutheran confidence in Christ's abiding intercession and the church's sacramental communion with the risen Lord—comfort for all who face the gathering darkness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the law of human limitation and departing light into Gospel proclamation of Christ's perpetual, sacramental presence—making it a powerful companion to any sermon on Easter hope, the Ascension, or the Supper's promise.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From desperate plea in darkness (Law) to triumphant assurance in Christ's presence (Gospel), culminating in eschatological hope
Overview
A Danish Easter hymn on the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24:13-35). Their prayer, 'Abide with us,' became ours: Christ stayed and dispelled their doubts (st. 1). It turns into an evening prayer — watching, confessing sin, hoping for mercy (st. 2); a prayer for light in the dark day of grief, recalling Gethsemane's 'Thy will be done' (st. 3); for his presence on the last day, with the shield of faith (st. 4); and confidence that he will 'sup with us' when earthly help fails, so that we defy grave and death (st. 5).
Central theme: The Emmaus prayer 'Abide with us' prayed at evening, in sorrow and at death, answered by Christ's presence at table
Structure
Six-line stanzas (9.8.9.8.8.8). Emmaus (1) — evening (2) — sorrow (3) — death (4) — supper and victory (5).
Law & Gospel Shape
Law: sin confessed; pain; death's 'fear and pain' (2-4). Gospel: Christ remaining, 'hope of mercy,' strength that never fails (1-2, 5).
Confessional Connections
Luke 24:13-35 (TLH's text). At Emmaus Christ was known 'in the breaking of the bread' (Luke 24:35) after opening the Scriptures — Word and Supper together are where he abides with his Church (AC V, VII, X). St. 5, 'To sup with us Thou wilt be nigh' (Rev 3:20) — the Sacrament as viaticum, food for the dying. St. 2: evening confession of sins (SC Evening Prayer). St. 4: 'The shield of faith' (Eph 6:16) against the last enemy.
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Easter Monday / Easter evening (Emmaus Gospel); evening services; Communion of the dying.
Historical Notes
Boye (1791-1853), Danish pastor and poet, wrote it in 1834. Smeby (1851-1929), a Norwegian-American Lutheran pastor, translated it in 1909.
About the Tune
WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT (Georg Neumark, 1640).
Scripture References
Luke 24:13-35 Luke 24:29 Luke 24:30-31 Ps 4:8 Matt 26:41 1 John 1:9 Ps 30:5 Matt 26:39-42 Ps 46:1 Eph 6:16 1 Cor 15:26 Rev 3:20 1 Cor 15:55-57 2 Cor 4:18
Stanza by Stanza
'Stay with us, the day is ending,' the two prayed on the road; we read that you, Lord, stayed and calmed all their doubts and fears. King of Grace, listen when we pray the same and see your face.
'Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent' (Luke 24:29). 'Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him' (Luke 24:31).
- Scripture
- Luke 24:29, Luke 24:31, Luke 24:13-35
- Imagery & language
- Waning day; the two; doubts allayed.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christ remains.
- Connection to previous
- Emmaus.
In the evening, send your Spirit and help us, Lord, keep our watch, bending in devout prayer before you before our eyes close in sleep, confessing sin in deed and word with hope of the Lord's mercy.
'Watch and pray' (Matt 26:41). 'In peace I will both lie down and sleep' (Ps 4:8). 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful… to forgive' (1 John 1:9). SC Evening Prayer: 'forgive me all my sins.'
- Scripture
- Matt 26:41, Ps 4:8, 1 John 1:9
- Imagery & language
- Eventide; watch; confession.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — sin confessed; Gospel — mercy hoped.
- Connection to previous
- Evening.
Stay with us; light up our darkest day with heavenly gladness, and when we weep in pain and sadness, be our comfort, strength and support. Tell us of your sorrow and of the victory you won when you prayed, 'Your will be done.'
'Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning' (Ps 30:5). Gethsemane: 'not as I will, but as you will… your will be done' (Matt 26:39, 42) — his submission the victory and the comfort of ours.
- Scripture
- Ps 30:5, Matt 26:39-42, Ps 46:1
- Imagery & language
- Darkest day; pain; Gethsemane.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christ's victory in submission.
- Connection to previous
- Sorrow.
Stay with us, tender Savior, on that bitter day when life ends, when we must surrender to the grave and fear and pain tear our hearts. Give us the shield of faith when we must face the enemy trembling.
'The last enemy to be destroyed is death' (1 Cor 15:26). 'Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one' (Eph 6:16).
- Scripture
- 1 Cor 15:26, Eph 6:16
- Imagery & language
- Bitter day; grave; shield of faith.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — death's terror; Gospel — faith given.
- Connection to previous
- Death.
When earthly help is no longer any use, you will be near to eat with us; you give strength that never fails; in you we defy the grave and death. While the earth fades from our sight, our eyes see the realms of light.
'I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me' (Rev 3:20) — as at Emmaus. 'O death, where is your victory?' (1 Cor 15:55-57). 'The things that are unseen are eternal' (2 Cor 4:18).
- Scripture
- Rev 3:20, Luke 24:30, 1 Cor 15:55-57, 2 Cor 4:18
- Imagery & language
- Sup with us; grave defied; realms of light.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Supper and victory over death.
- Connection to previous
- Supper and light.
Themes
Christ's presence Evening prayer Resurrection comfort Divine companionship Emmaus narrative