comfort

trust

devotion

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph M. Scriven 1855 Tune: Erie (Converse) (8.7.8.7 D)

An invitation to bring every grief to Jesus in prayer.

Quick Answer

An invitation to bring every grief to Jesus in prayer. Written by Joseph M. Scriven (1855), set to the tune "Erie (Converse)" by Charles C. Converse.

Suggested pairing scripture

John 15:15

"Henceforth I call you not servants... but I have called you friends."

Read John 15:15 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at funerals, memorial services, hospital visits, and any time the congregation needs the consolation of God's presence.

Lyrics

Stanza 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!

Stanza 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.

Stanza 3

Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, 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.

History & Background

Joseph Scriven wrote this poem in 1855 to comfort his mother in Ireland after the drowning death of his fiancée. It was set to Charles C. Converse's tune in 1868.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

John 15:15

"Henceforth I call you not servants... but I have called you friends."

Read in context

1 Peter 5:7

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joseph Scriven write this hymn?

He originally wrote it to comfort his mother who was sick in Ireland while he lived in Canada, never intending it to be published.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford · 1873

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Elisha A. Hoffman · 1887

Sweet Hour of Prayer

William W. Walford · 1845

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph M. Scriven • 1855

Jesus Loves Me

Anna B. Warner • 1860

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Losing a Close Friend

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Bible Verses About Betrayal by Friends

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Psalm 4:8 Commentary

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Where to go next

Enjoyed "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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