1
I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior!
I come to Thee.
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior!
I come to Thee.
2
I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.
3
I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
4
I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.
5
I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.
Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.
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Detroit, Michigan, United States
At a very early age, Annie Sherwood evidenced a gift for writing verse and at 14 was contributing poetry regularly to various newspapers. Although she wrote more than 400 poems, this hymn is the only one still well-known.
At the age of 24, Annie married Charles Hawks, and 3 children were born into this home. For much of her life Annie lived in Brooklyn, NY, and was a member of the Hanson Place Baptist Church, where Dr. Robert Lowry, a prominent gospel poet and musician was the pastor.
Pastor Lowry recognized Mrs. Hawks' poetic gifts and encouraged her to use these talents in writing hymn texts.
"One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks during a bright June morning in 1872. Suddenly, I became filled with the sense of nearness to the Master, and I began to wonder how anyone could ever live without Him, either in joy or pain. Then the words were ushered into my mind and these thoughts took full possession of me."
A short time later, Mrs. Hawks showed these verses to Pastor Robert Lowry, who was much impressed with them. Lowry quickly composed the music for the text and also added the refrain.
Dr. Lowry always had the conviction that any gospel hymn should have a refrain or chorus to give it completeness as well as to provide an opportunity for everyone, especially the children, to share in the singing.
Sixteen years after writing her hymn text, Mrs. Hawks experienced the death of her husband. During this difficult period of her life, she was surprised at the spiritual help she received from her own hymn:
"I did not understand at first why this hymn had touched the great throbbing heart of humanity. It was not until long after, when the shadow fell over my way, that shadow of great loss, that I understood something of the comforting power in the words which I had been permitted to give out to others in my hour of sweet serenity and peace."
Like Annie Hawks, it is important that we develop strong spiritual lives during the joyful, peaceful hours so that we will be able to remain steadfast when difficulties come. Regardless of the circumstances, we must live each day in the spirit of complete dependence on our Lord, with an awareness that He is equally at work in our lives during periods of "joy or pain". - '52 Hymn Stories Dramatized' by Kenneth W. Osbeck
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
His presence is what we need most or absolutely to win the battle of life like David before Goliath.
Nampa, Idaho, United States
Every hour I need Thee!
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Surely Peace no man can give does God alone give in time is desperation, anxiety, depression and fear. He's a sure anchor anytime.
New York, United States
I need every hour. Lord, just to travel life's journey in this old sinful world. I need THEE every hour, Lord, so that the enemies will not have dominion over me. Lord I need THEE ever hour, so that You will show Thyself to me as Jehovah Rapha...the God that health THEE. Lord, heal me by the power divine.
Big Sandy, Texas, United States
Lord Jesus I thank You that I need You! I thank You that I will never grow out of this need of You! I thank You that You Yourself satisfy the need of my heart. Lord Jesus I need You every hour, not just some. " In joy or in pain" Lord Jesus "Come quickly and abide or life is vain" " O bless me now my Savior I come to You"
Kaduna, Nigeria
We need God more than ever before. When the roll is call up yonder I will be there.
Ireland
Praise God we indeed need You every hour, every minute in Jesus precious name.
Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Felt so depressed and I couldn't sleep all night. Needed a friend to talk with, Just someone to share my grief. But suddenly, the wordings of this song came to me. I sang it, played it and then slept off.
I need Thee every seconds, minutes and hour.
Sekondi, Western, Ghana
My prayer in time of need and Joy. Ceremonies at lodge meetings is reinvigorated at the intonation of this hymn. May God be praised.