I Need Thee Every Hour

Jonathan Anderson • July 13, 2025

“I Need Thee Every Hour” is one of those hymns that doesn’t rush or demand. It simply speaks a quiet truth — that we need God, not just in moments of crisis, but in every hour. The melody is gentle, and the lyrics feel more like a prayer than a song. It’s humble, honest, and deeply personal.

The Story Behind the Hymn

The hymn was written in 1872 by Annie S. Hawks, a wife and mother who was active in her local church in Brooklyn, New York. While going about her daily tasks, she was struck by a deep sense of the Lord’s presence — not just in big moments, but in the small, ordinary hours of the day. That feeling inspired her to write the words: “I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord.”


When she shared the poem with her pastor, Robert Lowry (who also wrote and composed other well-known hymns), he helped write the refrain and set it to music. The hymn was first introduced at a National Baptist Sunday School convention and quickly spread, becoming a favorite among believers for its sincerity and simplicity.


What Makes It Powerful

This hymn doesn't focus on struggle or sorrow directly. Instead, it highlights dependence — a humble, daily reliance on the presence and grace of God. It’s a reminder that we don’t just need God when life is hard — we need Him in everything: in joy, in peace, in work, in rest.


A verse that echoes this message is Psalm 73:26 (NIV):

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Every line of the hymn points to that truth. God isn’t just a helper in trouble — He’s the very strength and stillness of our hearts in every season.


My Violin Cover

When arranging “I Need Thee Every Hour” for violin, I focused on keeping it soft and devotional. It’s not a hymn that asks for volume — it asks for stillness. I let the phrases linger, giving space for reflection between each one.


With Violin Hymns, I always try to honor the tone of the original, and this one called for gentle honesty. I didn’t want to add too much — just let the melody speak.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let the music be more than just sound — let it be a quiet reminder to stay close to God, moment by moment. Whether you’re in a calm season or a storm, let this hymn remind you: I need Thee every hour. Stay Thou nearby.

Lyrics


I need Thee every hour,

Most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine

Can peace afford.


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 pow’r

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 blessèd Son.

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