Description

I Need Thee Every Hour

Standing outside my office window – in fact filling my office window is a large tree. I’ve watched that tree now for many years. And as strange as it may sound, that tree has come to be something of a friend and teacher to me. From the upward bend of its branches and the upright firmness of its trunk, it seems to never stop reaching for the light of the sun, the source of its very survival.

From the comfort of my office, I have watched it nakedly endure the freezing cold of winter, and in full bloom the blistering heat of summer. I’ve sat and watched as powerful winds stripped off its leaves, broken its branches, and threatened to knock it down. Still, after all these years, and all that tree has endured, its stance is taller, stouter, and more firm. There is never a moment when that tree is not struggling for its survival. Its reaching and its need are constant.

Now, there is a hymn that’s a favorite of mine. I’d like to share it with you. It’s called “I Need Thee Every Hour.”

“I need thee every hour most gracious Lord. No tender voice like thine can peace afford.” There is no peace in this life without the Savior.

Second verse: “I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby. Temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.” The closer we are to the Savior, the less tempting are our temptations.

Third verse: “I need thee every in joy or pain. Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.” There is never a moment when we will stand independent of Him until that day when we are crowned by Him.”

Fourth verse: “I need thee every hour, most Holy One. Oh make me thine indeed, thou Blessed Son.” In other words, save me, Lord, and all that are mine.

I will never forget, Elder Dallin H. Oaks declaring in 1994,

When the Lord’s Apostles meet in modern times, the singing of hymns is still part of their meetings. The weekly meetings of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Salt Lake Temple always begin with a hymn. Elder Russell M. Nelson plays the organ accompaniment. The First Presidency, who conduct these meetings, rotate the privilege of selecting the opening song. Most of us record the date each hymn is sung. According to my records, the opening song most frequently sung during the decade of my participation has been “I Need Thee Every Hour” (Hymns, 1985, no. 98). Picture the spiritual impact of a handful of the Lord’s servants singing that song before praying for his guidance in fulfilling their mighty responsibilities.

Thank you for letting me share this time with you.

Source:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1994/10/worship-
through-music?lang=eng

Glenn Rawson 2022