I Need Thee Every Hour Lyrics
Annie S. Hawks and Robert Lowry
Tune Name: NEED
Composer: Robert Lowry
Meter: 6.4.6.4 with Refrain
Hymnbook Source: Gospel Hymns (1872)
Verse 1
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford
Chorus
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
Verse 2
I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.
Chorus
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
Verse 3
I need Thee every hour,
In joy, or pain;
Come quickly and abide
Or life is vain.
Chorus
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
Verse 4
I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
Thy promises so rich
In me fulfill.
Chorus
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
Verse 5
I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One,
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou Blessed Son!
Chorus
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | I Need Thee Every Hour |
| Author / Lyricist | Annie S. Hawks (1835–1918) |
| Composer / Tune | Robert Lowry (1826–1899) |
| Date Written / Published | 1872 |
| Historical Context | Written in post-Civil War America during the evangelical revival; expresses constant dependence on God. |
| Theme / Message | Daily reliance on God’s presence and guidance. |
| Notable Features | Repeated refrain reinforces devotional sentiment; widely memorized by congregations. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Frequently sung in personal devotion, Sunday schools, and revival meetings. |
| Source / Scholarship | American Gospel Hymns Old and New – Harry Eskew |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Annie S. Hawks, American Hymn Writer, 1835–1918 | Hawks authored the hymn, highlighting the daily reliance on God’s guidance. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes its devotional simplicity and enduring popularity in personal and congregational worship. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns emphasize continual dependence on God, a theme reflected here. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton’s focus on reliance and submission reinforces the hymn’s devotional message. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint praises the hymn’s rhythmic clarity and accessibility for daily devotion. |
I Need Thee Every Hour (Annie Sherwood Hawks)… Robert Lowry
"I Need Thee Every Hour" is a Christian hymn by Annie Sherwood Hawks, written in 1872. The hymn expresses the believer's dependence on God's grace and guidance. Robert Lowry later composed the melody. It has become a beloved classic in Christian music, often sung during times of prayer and reflection.
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