• The Song

What a Friend We Have In Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O 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
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there

• The Author

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a Christian hymn originally written by Joseph M. Scriven as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother who was living in Ireland while he was in Canada.  Joseph Scriven, described as one who lived the Christian life of service to his fellows, was born at Ballymoney Lodge, Banbridge and baptised on the 10th of  September 1819.  He obtained his B.A. degree at Trinity College, Dublin, where his two brothers were students, one of which became M.B. in 1842.   Joseph was a Cadet at the Military College, Addiscombe, Surrey, it being his intention to enter the East India Company, this idea  he abandoned at an early age.

The well known hymn was born brought into being out of great sorrow and heart  searching after the loss of his wife.  It is said that it was written to comfort his mother who mourned at her son’s unhappiness.   The hymn was not discovered until just prior to Scriven’s death in 1886.  Although composed in 1857, it was entitled ‘Pray Without Ceasing’.  He was known to be eccentric but was a born philanthropist and devoutly religious; he gave freely of what money he had, even his own clothing and his services to all poorer than himself who needed them.  He died at Port Hope.