Today’s hymn is one of the songs that feels both timeless and time-bound. The rhymes and melody of “I Need Thee Ev’ry Hour” sound dated to me, and I don’t know if that’s a fair assessment or just a reflection of my tastes. After all, hymns are not high poetry nor should they be. They are expressions of faith for every generation in the church today.

New Yorker Annie S. Hawks (1835-1918) wrote the words in 1872. The well-rounded minister Robert Lowry of Pennsylvania (1826-1899) wrote the melody and added the refrain. It is one of his many popular hymns sung around the world.

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:16 ESV).

1 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 Savior,
I come to Thee.

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

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

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