Laurie Klein

Laurie Klein (1950– )

Laurie Klein is an American contemporary Christian songwriter and worship leader best known for writing the widely loved worship chorus “I Love You, Lord.” Her music became especially influential within modern praise and worship movements, where her simple yet deeply devotional style helped shape congregational worship in many churches around the world.

Born in 1950, Klein emerged as a songwriter during the rise of contemporary worship music in the 1970s. She is primarily known for songs centered on personal devotion, intimacy with God, praise, and heartfelt worship.

Her most famous hymn is:

“I Love You, Lord”

written in 1978. The song became one of the most recognized worship choruses of the late twentieth century and has appeared in dozens of hymnals and worship collections across many denominations.

The hymn opens with the familiar words:

“I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice…”

Its simple structure and meditative tone made it especially popular in church worship services, prayer meetings, and personal devotions. The song reflects biblical themes of loving God with the whole heart and offering praise as worship, drawing from passages such as Psalm 18:1 and Hebrews 13:15.

The hymn has been translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Lithuanian, demonstrating its global influence in Christian worship. 

According to accounts surrounding the hymn’s origin, Klein wrote the song during a difficult season of personal struggle and isolation while living in Oregon. In that period of hardship, the song emerged as a sincere expression of worship and trust in God.

Other songs associated with Laurie Klein include:

• “Te Amo, Rey”

• “A ti, Jesús, Alzaré mi voz”

• Additional multilingual adaptations of “I Love You, Lord” used in international worship settings. 

Laurie Klein’s songwriting is characterized by:

• Simplicity and accessibility

• Personal expressions of worship

• Quiet devotional reflection

• Scripture-centered praise

• Congregational singability

Her legacy continues through one of the most enduring worship choruses of modern Christianity, sung by believers around the world as a prayer of love and adoration toward God.