Here is a song that I wrote back in November. It is a meditation on how we never graduate from our utter dependence on Jesus and how sanctification actually drives us deeper into that need. I hope it is an encouragement.
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vocals: Nathan Partain, Andrea Priest
guitar: Nathan Partain
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I Need Jesus (listen/download) (chord chart)
Well, I was lost inside confusion and a nightmare of a dream,
I did not know which god to turn to or if it were up to me,
Until some simple words were spoken that I gratefully received,
And just one prayer sprang up within me and I started whispering,
I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus. I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus.
But soon I found that sweet salvation just uncovered all my need.
That sin and me, like blood and ink, were all mixed up inseparably,
And that it’s not my deeds or branches but the roots of my whole tree,
That are so rotten full of hatred, that for me to merely breath,
I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus. I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus.
See, I had thought, one day, more holy or mature that I would be,
That I’d lead others on to righteousness and teach the blind to see.
Instead, I’ve found each day I’m frightened just how evil I can be,
And now I feel the most at home with all the perverts and unclean ’cause
I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus. I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus.
I keep on looking for some reason I should raise my self-esteem,
‘Cause all my gifts and all my efforts must sure add up to something,
But then again, again with tears of joy, I’m brought down to my knees,
Here at the foot of him who died for me I’m stripped of everything and,
I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus. I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus.
Now I say, “Glory! Hallelujah!”, I’m so glad to be redeemed!
To be so desperate for Jesus and so gloriously weak,
I do not ever want to stray from the Community of Need,
O may I never leave dependence or forsake my Food and Drink,
I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus. I need Jesus. Oh, I need Jesus.
Nathan Partain 
Me too! What a blessing! Thanks for giving this testimony. It is an encouragement to me to sing it too.
Beautiful
This just became my lifesong. Thank you!
So glad to be an encouragement to you!
I was reminded of so much truth from listening to this song, and am really touched by it. A friend and I performed it at our youth, and a couple of people were like “whoa what was that song!”. Be stoked…
Todd.
Thanks Todd. That’s great to hear!
I’m so touched by the words… It reminded me to walk my way humble with the awareness that nothing good is living inside of me and that I don’t have to be depressed about it cuz it turns me in a greater need of Jesus. So thankful for the song.
Hi, I just watched Tim Reimherr’s last devotional set at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri. He sings this song as his first song.
I’ve been so blessed by these words. Are you the original writer of these lyrics? If so, I really respect these words and your songwriting skill. I would love to hear more of your songs 🙂
Hey Young, thanks for your kind words. Yes, I wrote this song and I am so glad that it has been such a blessing in pointing you to Jesus. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you so much for your song. It blessed me beyond belief today. When I had no words…you put them in my mouth…and this became my prayer. Keep writing and sharing your music!
Heather, I am truly humbled and encouraged to get to be an instrument of encouragement to you in the Lord. I am so thankful with you how God surprises us with his goodness and gives us hope as we seek his face. Jesus’ blessings upon you today.
Thanks bro for giving me the words to pray when I didn’t know what to pray.
I NEED JESUS.
“See, I had thought, one day, more holy or mature that I would be,
That I’d lead others on to righteousness and teach the blind to see.
Instead, I’ve found each day I’m frightened just how evil I can be,”
OH, I NEED JESUS.
God Bless you.
So glad to be an encouragement to you as you cling to Jesus.
Seems I can’t sing these words without crying. Thank you for pushing through and writing music for Jesus. He sustains the weak and broken people. We are his.
Thank you for these words. I’ve been a Christ-follower for over 35 years, and Bible teacher for over 25, yet I knew the Lord was calling me to bolster my weak prayer life. This past year has been spent more on my knees than any other time in my life. The Lord led me to your song about 5 months ago, and I use it regularly to prepare myself to come before His Throne. Its message is simple yet profound. Thank you for your ministry.
Humbled and thankful that I get to be a part of the Jesus’ encouragement toward you. Thanks for the note.
I heard this song for the first time at church today and it brought me to tears because I was so moved by it the song was so rich in truth. Thank you for posting it. I am so happy that I can listen to it again.
Hey Olivia, so glad that this song is an encouragement to you. I pray that it continues to point you to Jesus. Thanks for the note.
Thank you for posting this! I heard this song a month ago and has stuck with me since. it has been such a blessing to me in my moments of weakness, and the words bring me to tears almost every time. May God bless you and your ministry.
Thank you, brother. Very glad to get to be an encouragement to you as you look to Jesus. Thanks for the note. Always encouraging to hear that the Lord is at work.
God has used this song to encourage my heart so many times. Thank you for allowing him to use your talents to honor him.
So encouraging to hear. Thanks for letting me know.
Hey mate, this song has really been resonating with and encouraging me lately. Would love to get my hands on the guitar chords/tabs so I could play it on a mission trip I’m going on to an Indigenous community in a few months.
Cheers from Australia,
Chris.
Hey Chris, sorry for the delay. I have been on vacation with my family and am just now getting back and beginning to dig out of my inbox, etc. So thankful that this song has been ministering to you and would love to help you care for others through it. Here is a link to the chart. Please let me know if you need anything else. Love to hear how it goes.
https://app.box.com/s/vstqkq4p3258osbiowv0
I am left speechless, what a beautiful and true song that is sang from the heart. Wow I can’t get enough of this song. It’s a beautiful song we need Jesus for everything. I don’t have the words but all I can say what a truthful and Spirit filled song. I don’t have words it’s marvellous.
Wow! Thank you for your kind words. I am very grateful that your heart was drawn to Jesus through this and that his Spirit is at work. Praise the Lord!
I need Jesus. Words I often say.
I’ll be brief.
I’m Home here in Corona CA with the flu.
I’m a minister. And I’m a recovering addict.
I’ve heard and read, Tim Keller but I’ve never heard your music.
This morning I woke up before the sun. I was burning with a fever and freezing at the same time. I opened Spotify, looking for some old Hymns for comfort. And I came across your song. What a beautiful moment in the presence of God. Thank you, brother.
Warmest regards,
Rev. Kev.
Hey Kevin, can’t tell you how grateful I am to be a part of Jesus encouraging your soul. There is no one else like him and it is a sweet fellowship to share with you being desperate for Jesus. Thanks for taking the time to write.