Annie S. Hawks was a gifted American hymn writer and poet, born in 1835 in Hoosick, New York. She began writing poetry as a young girl and was often published in local papers before turning her attention to religious verse.

Her most beloved hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour, was written during a quiet moment of reflection at home.

The tune was composed by Robert Lowry, a well-known minister and music editor who helped bring Hawks’ words to life with his gentle, memorable melody.

About the Song

I Need Thee Every Hour is a classic Christian hymn that conveys a simple yet powerful message about human dependence on God in every moment of life.

The lyrics reflect humility, faith, and trust in divine strength, making it a favorite in both traditional and modern worship.

Complete I Need Thee Every Hour Lyrics

Verse 1

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 Savior,
I come to Thee!

Verse 2

I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.

Chorus

I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!

Verse 3

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

Chorus

I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!

Verse 4

I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
Thy promises so rich
In me fulfill.

Chorus

I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!

Verse 5

I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One,
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou Blessed Son!

Chorus

I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee!

Similar Songs Like I Need Thee Every Hour

Songs like I Need Thee Every Hour are more than just music; they’re prayers in motion. Some other hymns carry the same sense of closeness to God and comfort in simple words:

• Jesus, Lover of My Soul: A quiet and prayerful hymn that asks for shelter and love. It paints a comforting picture of God’s never-ending care.
• My Soul Is Anchored in the Lord: With firm and steady words, this song gives a strong sense of hope, reminding believers that God holds them secure always.
• Thine Forever, God of Love: This hymn expresses a deep and lasting promise to walk with God. It’s gentle, loving, and filled with peaceful thoughts.

Similar Artists Like Annie Sherwood Hawks

Here are a few similar artists who also made lasting contributions to Christian hymnody:

• Fanny J. Crosby
  Genre: Hymn Writing / Gospel
  Top albums: Blessed Assurance (1873), To God Be the Glory (1875), Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior (1868)
• Charlotte Elliott
  Genre: Hymn Writing / Gospel
  Top albums: Just As I Am (1835), My God, My Father While I Stray (1834), Christian, Seek Not Yet Repose (1836)
• Phoebe Palmer Knapp
  Genre: Hymn Writing / Sacred Music
  Top albums: Near the Cross (1869), Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home (1883), O the Love That Drew Salvation’s Plan (1877)
• Eliza E. Hewitt
  Genre: Hymn Writing / Sunday School Songs
  Top albums: When We All Get to Heaven (1898), More About Jesus (1887), Sunshine in My Soul (1887)
• Civilla D. Martin
  Genre: Hymn Writing / Gospel
  Top albums: His Eye Is on the Sparrow (1905), God Will Take Care of You (1904), I Trust in God Wherever I May Be (1905)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was I Need Thee Every Hour First Sung Publicly?

It was first sung at a Sunday School Convention in 1872 and later popularized by revivalist musician Ira Sankey.

Why is I Need Thee Every Hour Still Popular Today?

It’s a simple, heartfelt expression of constant dependence on Christ that connects across Christian denominations and has been a source of comfort for many over generations.