I Need Thee Every Hour

Songbook Hymn Sermons

I Need Thee Every Hour

A Sermon based on the hymn by Annie S. Hawks

Introduction

“I Need Thee Every Hour” is a heartfelt confession of dependence upon God. Written in 1872 by Annie S. Hawks, a wife and mother in the churches of Christ in Brooklyn, New York, this hymn arose from a moment of peace, not distress. It captures a deep awareness that we are never truly self-sufficient—we need the Lord continually. Whether in joy or sorrow, in strength or weakness, in daylight or darkness, our need for God remains constant.

Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This hymn echoes that truth. It teaches us to humble ourselves before our Savior, to seek His guidance, strength, and presence—not only in trials but in every moment of life. Each stanza expresses a different facet of our need: for peace, for comfort, for power, and for companionship.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to drift into self-reliance. This hymn calls us back. It reminds us that faith is not reserved for crisis alone—it is the breath of daily living. Let us now walk through this beautiful hymn, anchoring our hearts in the scriptures it reflects, and allowing its message to draw us nearer to the Lord we so desperately need.

Stanza 1

“I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.”

The first stanza focuses on the peace that only Christ can give. He is the gracious Lord whose voice brings calm to the storm (Mark 4:39). In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.” We need Him every hour because there is no substitute for His voice and presence.

Stanza 2

“I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.”

This stanza speaks to our weakness in the face of temptation. Only when Christ is near can we resist. Hebrews 2:18 says that Jesus is able to help those who are tempted. James 4:7–8 reminds us to draw near to God so the devil will flee. Our need for Christ’s nearness is a safeguard against sin.

Stanza 3

“I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.”

Here, the singer acknowledges the need for Christ in every circumstance—not just sorrow, but joy as well. We may forget God in good times, yet we need Him just as much. Ecclesiastes 12:1 tells us to “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Life without Him is vanity.

Stanza 4

“I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.”

This verse turns to guidance and growth. God’s will is found in His word (Psalm 119:105), and we need His Spirit to help us understand and obey. John 14:26 speaks of the Helper teaching and reminding us. God’s promises are rich, but they only come alive in obedient faith.

Chorus

“I need Thee, O I need Thee; every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.”

The chorus is a personal cry to the Savior. It is both a confession and a prayer. Psalm 73:25–26 says, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” This is the heart of every disciple: to come to Jesus continually in need and love.

I Need Thee Every Hour Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Author: Annie S. Hawks (1872)

• Theme: Daily dependence on Christ

• Key Scripture: John 15:5 – “Without Me you can do nothing”

Stanza 1 – Peace in His Presence

• John 14:27 – Peace I give to you

• Mark 4:39 – He calms the storm

• Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect peace to those who trust

Stanza 2 – Power Against Temptation

• James 4:7–8 – Draw near to God

• Hebrews 2:18 – He helps the tempted

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – A way of escape

Stanza 3 – Presence in All Seasons

• Ecclesiastes 12:1 – Remember your Creator

• Philippians 4:12–13 – Strength in every circumstance

• Psalm 16:11 – Fullness of joy in His presence

Stanza 4 – Guidance in His Will

• Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp

• John 14:26 – The Helper teaches

• 2 Peter 1:4 – Precious and great promises

Chorus – Constant Prayer and Reliance

• Psalm 73:25–26 – None but You

• Luke 18:1 – Always to pray

• Hebrews 4:16 – Come boldly to the throne

Call to Action

Do you recognize your need for Christ every hour? If you have not yet obeyed the gospel through faith, repentance, confession, and baptism, then come to Him today. If you have wandered, return to the One who gives peace, power, and purpose. Let us live daily in dependence on our gracious Savior.

Scripture Reference List

John 15:5 – Without Me, you can do nothing
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you
Mark 4:39 – He calms the storm
Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect peace in trust
James 4:7–8 – Draw near to God
Hebrews 2:18 – Christ helps the tempted
1 Corinthians 10:13 – Escape from temptation
Ecclesiastes 12:1 – Remember your Creator
Philippians 4:12–13 – Strength through Christ
Psalm 16:11 – Joy in His presence
Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp
John 14:26 – The Spirit teaches
2 Peter 1:4 – Precious promises
Psalm 73:25–26 – None upon earth but You
Luke 18:1 – Pray and not lose heart
Hebrews 4:16 – Come boldly to the throne

Song History

Annie S. Hawks, a homemaker and poet, wrote “I Need Thee Every Hour” in 1872 during a quiet moment of reflection. Her pastor, Robert Lowry, set it to music. Though not widely known in her time, Hawks’ simple words of devotion have resonated with Christians for generations, especially among churches of Christ. The song speaks to the constant companionship and strength we find in Christ—every hour, every season, every step of the way.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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