The words to this hymn were written by Annie Sherwood Hawks (1836-1918) and the chorus was added by Robert Lowry (1826-1899). When this hymn was first published in 1873, this Bible verse was included underneath the title: “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5 KJV). Speaking of the hymn, Annie wrote “I remember well the morning, many years ago, when in the midst of the daily cares of my home, then in a distant city, I was so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him either in joy or pain, these words “I need thee every hour” were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me…For myself, the hymn was prophetic rather than expressive of my own experience at the time it was written, and I do not understand why it so touched the great throbbing heart of humanity. It was not until long years after, when the shadow fell over my way—the shadow of a great loss—that I understood something of the comforting in the words I had been permitted to write and give out to others in my hours of sweet security and peace.¹” I found a lot of versions of this hymn and couldn’t pick one! Do you have a favourite? Please send my way 🙂

I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Refrain
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee ev’ry hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

Refrain

I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.

Refrain

¹hymnologyarchive.com/i-need-thee-every-hour