African Gospel Lyrics

(Sung in Swahili) – The Hymn “Abide With Me” by Henry Francis Lyte

Kaa nami ni usiku sana (Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;)
Usiniache gizani bwana (The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.)
Msaada wako haukomi (When other helpers fail and comforts flee,)
Nili pekee yangu, kaa nami (Help of the helpless, O abide with me.)

Siku zetu hazikawii kwisha (Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;)
Sioni la kunifurahisha (Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;)
Hakuna ambacho hakikomi (Change and decay in all around I see;)
Usiye na mwisho, kaa nami (O Thou who changest not, abide with me.)

(Prayer)

Nina haja nawe kila saa (I need Thy presence every passing hour.)
Sina mwingine wa kunifaa (What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?)
Mimi nitaongozwa na nani (Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?)
Ila wewe bwana, kaa nami (Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.)

Sichi neno uwapo karibu (I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;)
Nipatalo lote si taabu? (Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.)
Kifo na kaburi haviumi (Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?)
nitashinda kwako, kaa nami (I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.)

(Prayer)

Nilalapo nikuone wewe (Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;)
Gizani mwote nimulikie (Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.)
NUru za mbinguni hazikomi (Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;)
Siku zangu zote kaa nami (In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.)

(Prayer)