I Need Thee Every Hour (I Come to Thee)

The verses of this hymn 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, linked to biblical reference John 15:5.

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

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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!

Modernized 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!