I Need Jesus

“I Need Jesus” was written by George O. Webster in the early part of the twentieth century and set to music by C. Harold Lowden, a well-known gospel composer. The hymn expresses the believer’s complete dependence upon Christ, not only for salvation but also for daily strength, guidance, and comfort. The repeated admission “I need Jesus” highlights the humble acknowledgment of human weakness and insufficiency without the sustaining presence of the Lord.

The hymn draws from the biblical truth found in John 15:5, where Christ declares that apart from Him we can do nothing. It is both a prayer and a confession, reminding worshippers that the Christian life is not lived in self-reliance but in constant dependence upon the Savior. Each stanza portrays different aspects of this need: for victory over temptation, for joy in sorrow, and for daily fellowship that sustains the soul.

Its simplicity and honesty made “I Need Jesus” a beloved hymn in revival meetings, prayer gatherings, and evangelistic services. The song resonates deeply because it speaks to every believer’s continual dependence upon the Lord, echoing the prayer of the psalmist, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee” (Psalm 73:25). Through this hymn, George O. Webster gave the church a lasting reminder that true strength is found only in Christ, and that every moment of life requires His grace and presence.