Gospel Hymn Singing At Riley's Farm: What a Friend We Have In Jesus

23/06/2025 5 min
Gospel Hymn Singing At Riley's Farm: What a Friend We Have In Jesus

Listen "Gospel Hymn Singing At Riley's Farm: What a Friend We Have In Jesus"

Episode Synopsis

Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Author: Joseph M. Scriven
Date: Written in 1855, published in 1868
Composer (music): Charles C. Converse

Brief History:

Joseph Scriven, an Irish-born Christian, wrote What a Friend We Have in Jesus as a poem to comfort his mother who was ill back in Ireland while he was living in Canada. He had already endured great personal tragedy—his fiancée drowned the night before their wedding. Later, Scriven devoted his life to helping others, living simply and sharing his faith. The poem was never meant for wide circulation, but a friend found it and it was eventually set to music by Charles Converse in 1868. It became one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history, treasured for its message of friendship with Jesus through trials and prayer.
Lyrics – What a Friend We Have in Jesus

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.

NOTE: Those wishing to read Brother Carlton's poems and articles go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton


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