1 I need thee, precious Jesus,
For I am full of sin;
My soul is dark and guilty,
My heart is dead within.
I need the cleansing fountain
Where I can always flee,
The blood of Christ most precious,
The sinner's perfect plea.

2 I need thee, precious Jesus,
For I am very poor;
A stranger and a pilgrim,
I have no earthly store.
I need the love of Jesus
To cheer me on my way,
To guide my doubting footsteps,
To be my strength and stay.

3 I need thee, precious Jesus,
And hope to see thee soon,
Encircled with the rainbow
And seated on thy throne.
There, with thy blood-bought children,
My joy shall ever be,
To sing my Jesus' praises,
To gaze, O Lord, on thee.