What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Contributed by Amy Kamenova

Recently I was reminded of this old hymn from the 1800’s that I learned as a child. God brought the lyrics back to my mind, and they are honestly so beautiful. Every single line!

The man who wrote it lived a really hard life:  

Joseph M. Scriven (1819–1886), an Irish-born poet, wrote “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” in 1855 to comfort his mother in Ireland while he was living in Canada. Scriven’s life was marked by tragedy - both his fiancées (two separate times) died before marriage, which led him to embrace a life of humility and service, helping the poor and sick. Originally a private poem, it expressed his deep faith and reliance on Christ during hardship. The text was later set to music by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868, becoming one of the most cherished hymns about prayer and trust in God.

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
And oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful?
Or who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Are we weak and heavy laden?
Encumbered with a load I've carried
Precious Savior still I refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer 

'Cause in His arms
He'll take and shield you
Thou will find a solace there

Oh, take it to the Lord in prayer
Take it to the Lord in prayer