Hymn Story: What a Friend We Have In Jesus

When a young Joseph Scriven received word that his mother who lived overseas was suffering sickness, he sat down to write her a letter which included his comforting poem we know as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Joseph was well acquainted with the friendship of Jesus and leaned on our same Friend through the grief of losing not one, but two fiancees. His first fiancee accidentally drowned the night before their wedding date. And his second fiance died of pneumonia before they were able to marry.

What a Friend We Have In Jesus

by Joseph Scriven

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh what peace we often forfeit,
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,
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.