I need Thee every hour

[HelenaZF]

Annie Sherwood Hawks gives this history to the poem she wrote, "I Need Thee Every Hour."



I remember well the morning . . . when in the midst of the daily cares of my home . . . I was so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him either in joy or pain, into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me . . . For myself the hymn was prophetic rather than expressive of my own experience at the time it was written, and I do not understand why it so touched the great throbbing heart of humanity.



She gave the simple poem to her pastor Dr. Robert Lowry.  As he read and re-read it he realized that Anne had produced her finest work of poetry.  He sat at his organ and composed the tune and then added a chorus to complete the work.



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I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.



I need Thee every hour, stay Thou near by;

Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.



I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.



I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.



I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One;

O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son!



refrain:

I need Thee, O I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee!