Tarry With Me, O My Savior

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Tarry With Me, O My Savior

A Sermon based on the Hymn by Charlotte Elliott

Introduction:
“Tarry With Me” is a tender prayer asking the Lord to remain near us through the trials and shadows of life. Based on the spirit of Luke 24:29—“Abide with us, for it is toward evening”—this hymn expresses the longing every Christian feels during moments of weakness, sorrow, or loneliness. Written by Charlotte Elliott, who also authored “Just As I Am,” this hymn is deeply personal and devotional. It invites us to reflect on our constant need for Christ’s presence, especially as the night of life approaches. When strength fails and earthly comfort disappears, we cry out not for escape, but for nearness—“Tarry with me… fast falls the eventide.” Through each stanza, we are reminded that Jesus is not only Lord of our joyful mornings but our dark nights too.

Stanza 1: “Tarry with me, O my Savior! For the day is passing by…”
This stanza is a plea for the Lord to remain with us as life’s day gives way to evening. Just as the disciples asked Jesus to stay with them on the road to Emmaus, we ask the same in our journey. The “eventide” here is symbolic of life’s closing hours or any season of trial. Psalm 23:4 promises that we do not walk through the valley of the shadow of death alone. The presence of Christ is our comfort when all other lights grow dim.

Stanza 2: “Tarry with me; blessed Savior! I’m weary and oppressed…”
We all face times when the burden seems too heavy, when life’s pressures press hard against our spirit. In those moments, we long for relief—but even more, we long for the comfort of the Savior. Matthew 11:28–30 reminds us that Jesus gives rest to the weary and heavy laden. This stanza is not about escape from duty but about endurance through the companionship of Christ.

Stanza 3: “Tarry with me, O my Savior! Not till death shall part us two…”
This final stanza expresses our ultimate desire—that Jesus be with us not only in life’s trials but all the way through death and beyond. Romans 8:38–39 promises that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. As David wrote in Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” We do not ask to walk alone—we ask to walk with Jesus until we see Him face to face.

Chorus (if included):
While this hymn traditionally does not contain a chorus, the recurring appeal—“Tarry with me”—functions as the heart-cry of every stanza. It is the chorus of the soul that seeks not riches, ease, or answers—but presence. The nearness of God is our good (Psalm 73:28). The Christian life is sustained not by favorable conditions, but by close communion with Christ.

Tarry With Me Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – Evening Shadows and God’s Presence

• Luke 24:29 – “Abide with us… for it is toward evening.”

• Psalm 23:4 – The valley of the shadow of death

• Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you”

Stanza 2 – Weariness and the Savior’s Rest

• Matthew 11:28–30 – Come to Me, all who are weary

• Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden on the Lord

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – His strength is made perfect in weakness

Stanza 3 – Until the End and Beyond

• Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing separates us from His love

• Psalm 73:26 – God is the strength of my heart

• Revelation 14:13 – Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord

Chorus Theme – The Deep Need for Christ’s Nearness

• Psalm 73:28 – The nearness of God is my good

• Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you”

• John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans”

Call to Action:
Are you walking close to the Savior? Have you made Him your constant companion—not just in church or crisis, but in every part of life? If not, He invites you: “Come to Me.” Believe in Him, repent of your sins, confess His name, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). Let Him tarry with you—not just tonight, but forever. And when the final evening comes, you will not be alone.

Scripture Reference List:
Luke 24:29 – “Abide with us… for it is toward evening.”
Psalm 23:4 – Even in the valley, God is with us
Isaiah 41:10 – God strengthens and upholds
Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus gives rest to the weary
Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden on the Lord
2 Corinthians 12:9 – His grace is sufficient
Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing separates us from His love
Psalm 73:26 – God is the strength of our hearts
Revelation 14:13 – Blessed are the dead in the Lord
Psalm 73:28 – The nearness of God is our good
Hebrews 13:5 – He will never leave us
John 14:18 – Jesus will not leave us as orphans
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized

Song Author Credit:
Charlotte Elliott, the author of “Tarry With Me,” also penned the well-known hymn “Just As I Am.” A prolific hymn writer from England, Elliott wrote with deep conviction and spiritual intimacy, often composing while suffering chronic illness. Her hymns reflect the heartfelt dependence on God’s constant presence.

Song History:
“Tarry With Me” was written in the 1800s and became a cherished evening and devotional hymn, especially among believers who longed for comfort in affliction. It has remained popular in hymnals of the churches of Christ for its biblical foundation and deeply personal tone. Its message is timeless—every soul, in every season, needs the Savior to stay close.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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