In the Hour of Trial - Hymn With Lyrics

1. In the hour of trial,
Jesus, plead for me
lest by base denial
I unworthy be.
When you see me waver,
with a look recall,
nor for fear or favor
ever let me fall.

2. With forbidden pleasures
should this vain world charm
or its tempting treasures
spread to work me harm,
bring to my remembrance
sad Gethsemane
or, in darker semblance,
cross-crowned Calvary.

3 .Should your mercy send me
sorrow, toil, and woe,
or should pain attend me
on my path below,
grant that I may never
fail your cross to view;
grant that I may ever
cast my care on you.

4. When my life is ending,
though in grief or pain,
when my body changes
back to dust again,
on your truth relying,
through that mortal strife,
Jesus, take me, dying,
to eternal life.

Scripture; 

Job 23:10

, Psalm 55:22, 

Isaiah 3:13

, 

Matthew 10:33

The hymn "In the Hour of Trial" was written by James Montgomery in 1834. Montgomery was a Scottish-born hymn writer, poet, and newspaper editor known for his deep Christian convictions and literary skill. The hymn reflects a prayerful appeal for divine help and guidance during times of temptation, hardship, or spiritual struggle.

Story Behind the Hymn

James Montgomery wrote "In the Hour of Trial" as a personal, devotional hymn. It wasn’t composed in response to a particular dramatic event like some hymns (e.g., “It Is Well with My Soul”), but rather as a heartfelt expression of a believer’s cry for strength and faithfulness in moments of weakness or suffering. The hymn’s message is universal and timeless: when we face trials, we ask Jesus to be near, to help us resist sin, and to keep our faith firm.

The hymn draws inspiration from the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ trial and suffering, as well as the human experience of temptation and testing. Lines like “Lest by base denial / I depart from Thee” recall Peter’s denial of Jesus, and the hymn becomes a plea that we might remain faithful where others have failed.

Themes in the Hymn

• Perseverance in temptation

• Faithfulness under trial

• Christ’s suffering and example

• Hope in divine mercy and final deliverance

Notable Musical Settings

The most common tune for the hymn is “Penitence” by Spencer Lane (written in 1875), which became popular in American hymnals. Other tunes include ones by George Kingsley and Henry Baker. The tune used can affect the emotional tone—some are more solemn, others more meditative.

Sample Lyrics (Opening Verse)

In the hour of trial,
Jesus, plead for me,
Lest by base denial
I depart from Thee.
When Thou seest me waver,
With a look recall,
Nor for fear or favor
Suffer me to fall.

Legacy

“In the Hour of Trial” remains a favorite among hymns for personal devotion and services focusing on repentance, Lent, or themes of endurance. Its prayerful tone continues to speak to Christians seeking strength in moments of weakness, much as Montgomery intended when he penned it.

 In the Hour of Trial