I need Thee every hour

Again, for the second time in my life this hymn has come to me in the middle of the night. The first time was when I was 15 years old, and the principalities of darkness had come against me like a flood. This beautiful hymn comforted me that night as I sat alone feeling wounded and heavy of sorrow.

And now, here I am at 3 in the morning feeling another spiritual battle against my mind and life. And this anointed hymn has uplifted me!

I want Jesus Christ to have full dominion and reign in my heart, body, spirit, soul, and every level of my mind. I love my Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST so much, He is worth living for! May God bless all my Christian brothers and sisters, and those who have no peace.

At a very early age, Annie Sherwood evidenced a gift for writing verse and at 14 was contributing poetry regularly to various newspapers. Although she wrote more than 400 poems, this hymn is the only one still well-known.

At the age of 24, Annie married Charles Hawks, and 3 children were born into this home. For much of her life Annie lived in Brooklyn, NY, and was a member of the Hanson Place Baptist Church, where Dr. Robert Lowry, a prominent gospel poet and musician was the pastor.

Pastor Lowry recognized Mrs. Hawks' poetic gifts and encouraged her to use these talents in writing hymn texts.

"One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks during a bright June morning in 1872. Suddenly, I became filled with the sense of nearness to the Master, and I began to wonder how anyone could ever live without Him, either in joy or pain. Then the words were ushered into my mind and these thoughts took full possession of me."

A short time later, Mrs. Hawks showed these verses to Pastor Robert Lowry, who was much impressed with them. Lowry quickly composed the music for the text and also added the refrain.

Dr. Lowry always had the conviction that any gospel hymn should have a refrain or chorus to give it completeness as well as to provide an opportunity for everyone, especially the children, to share in the singing.

Sixteen years after writing her hymn text, Mrs. Hawks experienced the death of her husband. During this difficult period of her life, she was surprised at the spiritual help she received from her own hymn:

"I did not understand at first why this hymn had touched the great throbbing heart of humanity. It was not until long after, when the shadow fell over my way, that shadow of great loss, that I understood something of the comforting power in the words which I had been permitted to give out to others in my hour of sweet serenity and peace."

Like Annie Hawks, it is important that we develop strong spiritual lives during the joyful, peaceful hours so that we will be able to remain steadfast when difficulties come. Regardless of the circumstances, we must live each day in the spirit of complete dependence on our Lord, with an awareness that He is equally at work in our lives during periods of "joy or pain". - '52 Hymn Stories Dramatized' by Kenneth W. Osbeck

His presence is what we need most or absolutely to win the battle of life like David before Goliath.

Every hour I need Thee!

Surely Peace no man can give does God alone give in time is desperation, anxiety, depression and fear. He's a sure anchor anytime.

I need every hour. Lord, just to travel life's journey in this old sinful world. I need THEE every hour, Lord, so that the enemies will not have dominion over me. Lord I need THEE ever hour, so that You will show Thyself to me as Jehovah Rapha...the God that health THEE. Lord, heal me by the power divine.

Lord Jesus I thank You that I need You! I thank You that I will never grow out of this need of You! I thank You that You Yourself satisfy the need of my heart. Lord Jesus I need You every hour, not just some. " In joy or in pain" Lord Jesus "Come quickly and abide or life is vain" " O bless me now my Savior I come to You"

We need God more than ever before. When the roll is call up yonder I will be there.

Praise God we indeed need You every hour, every minute in Jesus precious name.

Felt so depressed and I couldn't sleep all night. Needed a friend to talk with, Just someone to share my grief. But suddenly, the wordings of this song came to me. I sang it, played it and then slept off.

I need Thee every seconds, minutes and hour.