prayer

dependence

devotion

I Need Thee Every Hour

Annie S. Hawks 1872 Tune: Need (6.4.6.4 with refrain)

A homemaker's daily prayer of dependence on Christ's abiding presence.

Quick Answer

A homemaker's daily prayer of dependence on Christ's abiding presence. Written by Annie S. Hawks (1872), set to the tune "Need" by Robert Lowry.

Suggested pairing scripture

John 15:5

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

Read John 15:5 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "I Need Thee Every Hour." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing in regular congregational worship, in family devotions, and any time the heart turns to God in song.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

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 Saviour, I come to Thee.

Stanza 2

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby; Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Stanza 3

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

Stanza 4

I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Stanza 5

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One; O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

History & Background

Annie Hawks, a Brooklyn housewife and member of Robert Lowry's congregation, wrote the verses one morning in 1872 while doing housework, struck by a sudden sense of nearness to God. Her pastor, Lowry, added the refrain and tune, and it was sung at the National Baptist Sunday School Convention later that year.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

John 15:5

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

Read in context

Hebrews 4:16

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote I Need Thee Every Hour?

Annie S. Hawks wrote the verses in 1872 while doing housework. Her pastor Robert Lowry composed the tune and added the refrain.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with I Need Thee Every Hour.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

William W. Walford · 1845

presence of god

My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Ray Palmer · 1830

Abide With Me

Henry Francis Lyte · 1847

presence of god

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

I Need Thee Every Hour

Annie S. Hawks • 1872

Sweet Hour of Prayer

William W. Walford • 1845

Prayer for Faithfulness

Steadfast devotion in every area of life.

Independence Day Bible Verses & Devotional

Celebrate freedom with these powerful KJV scriptures about liberty, gratitude fo

God Promises to Hear Every Prayer

Bible promises that God hears and responds to every sincere prayer.

Spiritual Warfare

Praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)

Praying in the Spirit is prayer led, prompted, and empowered by the Holy Spirit

Where to go next

Enjoyed "I Need Thee Every Hour"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

← Browse the full Hymnal Library