As I sit hear alone, I am overwlemed with this song. Truly, I need Him every hour. A short story about the author as you listen but please don’t miss the words.
Annie Hawks wrote:
“One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks. Suddenly, I became so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him, either in joy or pain, these words, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me.”
After writing the lyrics, Hawks gave them to her pastor, Robert Lowry, who added the tune and refrain. The hymn was first published at the National Baptist Sunday School Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, in November 1872. Some years later, after the death of her husband, Hawks wrote:
“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, the shadow of a 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.”
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine can peace afford
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh
I need thee, oh, I need thee, every hour I need Thee I need thee, I need thee, I need Thee every hour
I need Thee every hour in joy or pain Come quickly and abide or life is in vain I need Thee, oh, I need Thee, every hour I need Thee I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy will And Thy rich promises in me fulfill
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee Oh I need Thee every hour I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee
