This is a simple, personal prayer.  The rhymes are simple, with 
repetition of the first phrase in every verse, giving the song a
meditative feel.  It makes a lot of sense to print the poem as
iambic pentameter couplets folowed by the couplet refrains of
diverging meter.  
This poem does not ask a lot from God, a paraphrase: "Be near, bless me with your 
presence, help me with whatever happens."

I Need Thee Every Hour

I Need Thee Every Hour, a poem about a personal relationship, intended to be understood by children.

Annie S. Hawks

I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine Can Peace afford.  
   I need Thee, O I need Thee Every hour I need Thee;
   O bless me now my Saviour, I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power When Tou art nigh.  
   I need Thee, O I need Thee Every hour I need Thee;
   O bless me now my Saviour, I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, In joy or 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 Saviour, I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, Teach me Thy will,
And Thy rich promises In me fulfill.  
   I need Thee, O I need Thee Every hour I need Thee;
   O bless me now my Saviour, I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One;
O make me thine indeed, Most blessed Son.
   I need Thee, O I need Thee Every hour I need Thee;
   O bless me now my Saviour, I come to Thee.

Annie S. Hawks wrote hundreds of poems. 
Several of her works were put to music 
Sunday school publications, but is mostly
remembered for writing I Need Thee Every Hour

Annie Sherwood Hawkes

Annie S. Hawkes wrote a large number of Sunday School Hymns. Hymniary.org

Robert Lowry is still a 
well remembered hymn writer.

See

Robert Lowry on hymnallibrary.org

Robert Lowry was a Sunday School teachier, singer and pastor.