Mormon Tabernacle Choir - I Need Thee Every Hour Lyrics

I Need Thee Every Hour Video

I Need Thee Every Hour Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

I Need Thee Every Hour: A Song of Dependence and Trust in God's Grace

The hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" has been a beloved Christian song for over a century. Its simple yet profound lyrics express the Christian's complete dependence on God's grace and mercy. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has recorded a beautiful rendition of this timeless song that continues to inspire and uplift listeners today.

The Meaning of "I Need Thee Every Hour"

The lyrics of "I Need Thee Every Hour" express the Christian's recognition of their own weakness and their need for God's strength and guidance. The opening lines of the song set the tone for this theme of dependence:

"I need thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford"

The Christian acknowledges that they cannot find peace or comfort apart from God. They recognize that only God's voice can bring true peace and comfort to their troubled hearts.

The chorus of the song repeats this theme of dependence:

"I need thee oh I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now my savior
I come to thee"

The Christian expresses their deep need for God in every moment of their lives. They acknowledge that only God can bless them and bring them the peace and comfort they long for.

The second verse of the song emphasizes the Christian's need for God's protection and guidance:

"I need thee every hour
Stay thou near by
Temptations lose their power
When thou art nigh"

The Christian recognizes that they are constantly facing temptation and danger in this fallen world. They need God's presence and protection to overcome these obstacles and stay on the path of righteousness.

The third verse of the song expresses the Christian's desire to be completely surrendered to God's will:

"I need thee every hour
Most holy one
Oh make me thine indeed
Thou blessed son"

The Christian recognizes that God is holy and that they are not. They long to be made holy and pure through God's grace and to be completely surrendered to His will.

The Inspiration and Story Behind "I Need Thee Every Hour"

The inspiration and story behind the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" are not well-documented. However, the song's author, Annie S. Hawks, was a devoted Christian who wrote over 400 hymns during her lifetime.

Annie's husband, Charles Hawks, was a pastor who often preached on the theme of dependence on God. It is possible that this theme inspired Annie to write the lyrics to "I Need Thee Every Hour."

Annie wrote the lyrics to the song in 1872, and the music was composed by Robert Lowry, a well-known hymn writer of the time. The song was first published in a collection of hymns titled "Hymns of the Christian Life" in 1873.

The song quickly became popular and has remained a beloved Christian hymn for over a century. Its timeless message of dependence on God's grace continues to inspire and encourage Christians today.

Bible Verses Referenced in "I Need Thee Every Hour"

The lyrics of "I Need Thee Every Hour" are filled with biblical references and allusions. Here are a few Bible verses that the song brings to mind:

Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Romans 8:14-17 - "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Practical Application of "I Need Thee Every Hour" in Christian Living

The hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" offers a powerful reminder that Christians are completely dependent on God's grace and mercy. Here are a few practical applications of this truth in our daily lives:

1. Cultivate a habit of prayer - The Christian's dependence on God is expressed through prayer. We must make prayer a daily habit, constantly seeking God's guidance and strength in every situation.

2. Trust in God's provision - The Christian's dependence on God also requires trust in His provision. We must trust that God will provide for our needs and guide us on the path of righteousness.

3. Surrender to God's will - The Christian's dependence on God requires a complete surrender to His will. We must be willing to let go of our own desires and plans and submit to God's plan for our lives.

4. Seek fellowship with other believers - The Christian's dependence on God is not a solitary journey. We need the support and encouragement of other believers to stay on the path of righteousness and to grow in our dependence on God.

In conclusion, the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" is a beautiful expression of the Christian's complete dependence on God's grace and mercy. Its timeless message continues to inspire and encourage Christians today. May we all cultivate a deeper dependence on God and trust in His provision and guidance in every moment of our lives.