This is the song that has been on my heart and in my mind for days now. While praying during my devotion time this week, I became overwhelmed with my need for my most gracious Lord every hour of the day. There is nothing that I can do adequately in my own strength. I pulled out the hymnal Keith gave me for Christmas three years ago and looked up the words to this hymn.
It was written by Annie Hawks, a young wife and mother just like me. About this hymn, she wrote,
One day as a young wife and moÂther of 37 years of age, I was buÂsy with my regÂuÂlar houseÂhold tasks. SudÂdenÂly, I beÂcame so filled with the sense of nearÂness to the MastÂer that, wonÂderÂing how one could live withÂout Him, eiÂther in joy or pain, these words, “I Need Thee EvÂeÂry Hour,†were ushÂered inÂto my mind, the thought at once takÂing full posÂsessÂion of me.
I did not unÂderÂstand at first why this hymn had touched the great throbÂbing heart of huÂmanÂiÂty. It was not unÂtil long afÂter, when the shaÂdow fell over my way, the shaÂdow of a great loss, that I unÂderÂstood someÂthing of the comÂfortÂing powÂer in the words which I had been perÂmitÂted to give out to others in my hour of sweet seÂrenÂiÂty and peace.
So, here are the words to this beautiful hymn. I pray that these words of reliance upon the Lord throughout each every hour will resonate within you as they have within my own heart.
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
Refrain
Suzanne says
Amen to that. I have been pondering this thought this past week as well – as I’ve been praying and supporting a dear friend of mine as she goes through a separation from her husband of 15 years. My heart breaks for her and her children, but I also know that she has spent hours/days/weeks in prayer and seeking counsel before taking this step to remove themselves from the negative situation. It has been powerful to see how God is opening doors and providing for her in this time of deep struggle.
May we be continually reminded of how much we truly need Him and not take it for granted when things are ‘smooth’.
Thanks for sharing.
Heidi says
Truly one of my favorite hymns. Thanks for posting this!
Happy Mama says
hey I have ANOTHER award for you..It is something that you have commented on my blog about and we both did the purpose statement thing awhile back for our blogs so this is right up that alley!!
Have a great day!