Sunday Singing: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” performed by The Brandenberger Family

Irish-Canadian Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819-1886) wrote this very popular hymn that has a bluegrass feel to me, probably because I live in the South. The tune is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1868 by composer Charles Converse(1832-1918).

1 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!

2 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!

3 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 your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

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