A royal funeral - and a song...

The image above is crown of the King of Norway - until very recently worn by King Harald V.

King Harald died on August 28, 2026.  I've only recently come across video of his funeral, celebrated in the Evangelical-Lutheran communion.  The liturgy is stately, solemn and beautiful in every way. The musical selections are superb. You can see all the funeral rites including a lengthy procession to the church in this video (skip to 2:49:00 for where the procession reaches and enters the church).

In particular, however, I want to draw your attention to one song, Abide With Me, composed in 1847 by Henry Francis Lyte. It's a hymn I'm familiar with but to which I've never paid much attention - until now.  

 

The arrangement here is by Norwegian musician and composer Lars Andreas Aspesæter.  This setting of a 19th century hymn tune is faithful to the original but deeply textured by more contemporary, soulful themes.  Part of the success here is its performance by the Oslo Cathedral Choir and Filipino-Norwegian solist, Hilari Alison. I wondered, when listening, if Aspesæter wrote this arrangement specifically for these voice - so perfect is the match.

 

I hope the video below and the lyrics below will lift you up in prayer today...

 

If a video doesn't appear below, click here! 

 

 

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 strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O 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.

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