Sunday Song

I love the lyrics and sounds of contemporary Christian music! These songs are very uplifting and touch the fiber of our lives with their words. However, every now and then, nothing really speaks to my heart and soul like the old hymns. There are many favorites. Growing up in a small Baptist church, hymns and gospel music were part of my Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night upbringing...so glad it was. Then, it didn't mean all that much, just routine. Even in my early adult years the words didn't really resonate with me as they do now.

This morning I was reading the words of Annie S. Hawks, author of the poem, that later became the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour. During her routine household chores that June day, the words came to her and she began to write. She couldn't imagine how anyone could live without Jesus, no matter the situation.

The words to this song are just as meaningful and relevant today as when they were originally written. This poem describes just how much we need Jesus during the good times and the bad, which is why Annie wrote it to begin with.

I need Him every hour, because Jesus knows my joy, my happiness, my hurt, my pain, my sorrow, my fear, and my disappointment. Why? Because He too felt all the same emotions. The author couldn't imagine not having God in her life every hour. I can't either. He is a most gracious Lord.

She presented this poem to Rev. Robert Lowery, her pastor, and he began to compose the tune on the organ and added a chorus for this cherished and most treasured hymn.

I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

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

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

-Annie S. Hawks
What a comfort to know that we have Jesus to turn to during all the times in our life...even the chores.

Ginger :)