It was first penned as a poem by the writer to comfort his mother, who was in critical condition in Ireland while he was in Canada. What a Friend We Have in Jesus is a timeless Christian hymn written by Irish poet and preacher Joseph Scriven (10 September 1819 – 10 August 1886) in 1855. Today, 155 years after it was written, the words are still a powerful reminder to us that no matter what we're going through in life, whenever we feel weak, or burdened, or grief-stricken, or in pain, there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother who is there to listen, if only we ask.How does a personal poem Pray Without Ceasing, which was written by a disheartened and crestfallen son to an ailing mother, become one of the most well-loved and best-known hymns in the world, What a Friend We Have in Jesus? His answer: "The Lord and I did it between us". In the years right before his death, someone asked Scriven if he was really the author. No one in Scriven's town of Port Hope had any idea that he had this kind of poetic ability. It wasn't until 30 years later than Scriven was recognized as the true author of the piece. Sankey had mistakenly attributed the hymn to another Scotsman, Horatius Bonar, but Bonar informed Sankey that he was indeed not the author. 1, where it immediately had wide circulation. Sankey stumbled upon it and published into his hymnal Gospel Hymns No. But over time it was passed around and found itself in a pamphlet of Sunday school hymns as the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".įamous gospel singer, composer, and hymnal editor Ira D. Scriven had intended the poem only to be read by his mother. From thousands of miles away, Scriven wrote a poem to her called "Pray Without Ceasing". In 1855, Scriven heard that his mother was terribly ill. He only saws wood for poor widows and sick people." "He won't cut wood for you," said a man who knew Scriven. The story goes that one day a man from his town saw him in his work clothes and wanted to hire him to chop some wood for him. He soon earned a reputation as a man who willingly gave of himself to those in need, never turning down a request. He made it his goal to live according to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. There, he eventually fell in love and became engaged to another women, who herself suddenly fell ill of pneumonia and died shortly, again shortly before they were to be married.Īfter this, he never married but devoted the rest of his life to helping others. Grief stricken, Scriven emigrated to Ontario, Canada. He had been engaged to a beautiful young woman, but on the night before their wedding in 1845, she accidentally drowned. Tragedy struck him when he was a young man. He grew up in Dublin and eventually attended Trinity College there. Joseph Scriven was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1819. 1 John 5:14 - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.What a Friend We Have in Jesus Guitar Chords Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there. Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
In His arms He’ll take and shield you you will find a solace there.īlessèd Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.ĭo your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Jesus knows our every weakness take it to the Lord in prayer.Īre we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? We should never be discouraged take it to the Lord in prayer.Ĭan we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,Īll because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!