Nielsen’s Nook

One of the most brutal sermons and Sunday school lesson for which I have had to prepare is for 1 John 3:11-18.  I am confronted with a hollow sounding words that my lips seek to circumscribe as the arid and the acrid exhaust past them.  I have found these lyrics as a wet salve caking in the fissures of my heart. If only the lovelessness in my own heart would trouble me as deeply as the lovelessness of others.  Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.

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

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh

I need thee, oh, I need thee, every hour I need Thee
I need thee, I need thee, I need Thee every hour

I need Thee every hour in joy or pain
Come quickly and abide or life is in vain
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee, every hour I need Thee
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour

Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee
Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee
I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy will
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee
Oh I need Thee every hour
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour
I need Thee, I need Thee, I need Thee every hour

Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee¹

_________

¹ Lyrics from "I need thee every hour" on the album Redemption Songs by Jars of Clay.