People Need the Lord proclaims the timeless truth that at the end of broken dreams, only Christ brings hope and salvation. The song calls believers to recognize the spiritual need around them and to take His light into a hurting world. Its message centers on compassion, gospel mission, and the redemptive love of Jesus.
VERSE
Every day they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
CHORUS 1
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams
He’s the open door
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
When will we realize
People need the Lord?
VERSE 2
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who’s lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
CHORUS 2
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams
He’s the open door
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
When will we realize
That we must give our lives
For people need the Lord?
Christ as the Only Hope
The story behind People Need the Lord comes from an actual conversation between the songwriters Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh during a lunch in Nashville, Tennessee in the early 1980s.
As they noticed the expressions and apparent pain of the waitress and others around them, McHugh said, “People need the Lord, don’t they?” and Nelson agreed. That brief remark became the heart of the song, and they sketched the idea while finishing their meal. 1
The song was first recorded and later popularized by Christian artist Steve Green, helping it become a well-known worship anthem in churches and choirs. 2
Today it is included in many hymnals and continues to be sung across denominations, emphasizing the gospel call to recognize spiritual need and share the message of Christ’s hope. 3
Relevant Bible Verses
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NASB
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NASB
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NASB
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14–16 NASB
Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:36–37 NASB
More Free PowerPoints Downloads
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- Friend of God (Israel Houghton)
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Bible Readings Free Downloads
- Revelation 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ
- Revelation 2:1-7 Letter to the Church in Ephesus
- Revelation 2:8-11 Letter to the Church in Smyrna
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People Need The Lord lyrics and music by (Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh) , 1983 Public Domain.