I Need Thee Every Hour (I Come to Thee)

This hymn is a statement of faith and dependence on God, inspired by John 15:5.

The verses were written by American poet and housewife Annie S.Hawks (1835-1918). The chorus and the tune were written by her pastor, Robert Lowry (1826-1899). The hymn was first published in 1873.

With meter 6.4.6.4 with refrain, the tune is simply called NEED or sometimes I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

PowerPoint slides

Downloadable leadsheet sheet music

Examples

Upbeat, professionally produced version

Large choir, with organ accompaniment

Unaccompanied choir

Lyrics

Traditional lyrics

I need thee every hour,
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 Saviour;
I come to thee.

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 fulfil.

I need thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me thine indeed,
Thou Blessed Son!

Modern-English lyrics

I need You every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Yours
Can peace afford.

Chorus:
I need You, O I need You,
Every hour I need You.
O bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to You.

I need You every hour;
Stay Lord near by;
Temptations lose their power
When You are nigh.

I need You every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

I need You every hour;
Teach me Your will;
And Your rich promises
On me fulfil.

I need You every hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Yours indeed,
O Blessed Son!