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What A Friend We Have In Jesus

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When Joseph Scriven was asked who wrote the words to the poem he had on his wall he said, "The Lord and I did it between us." The poem was "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Joseph Scriven (1819-1886) learned early in life to give his griefs to the Lord. On the eve of his wedding day, his bride was found drowned. This crushed him. He left his homeland of Ireland and moved to Port Hope, Canada. He found Jesus to be his best friend and decided to give his life to be a friend and a help to others. He became known as the "Good Samaritan of Port Hope." He wrote the poem "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" as an encouragement for his sick mother. We, like Scriven's mother, are reminded again that we have a friend who wants to know our cares, griefs, burdens, temptations, trials, sins, pain, and sorrows. Jesus is that friend. Have you spoken to Him today?

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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 over every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavyladen, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy firends 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.

More Hymn History... Click Here