Song What A Friend We Have In Jesus

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Wikipedia

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
Song
Published	lyrics published 1865 by H. L. Hastings lyrics with tune published 1870 byOliver DitsonCo.
Genre	Hymn
Composer(s)	Charles C. Converse (1868)
Lyricist(s)	Joseph M. Scriven (1855)

It was initially composed as a poem by preacher Joseph M. Scriven in 1855 to console his mother, who was living in Ireland at the time while he was in Canada. It is now considered a Christian hymn and is sung by millions of people worldwide. Scriven first published the poem anonymously, and it was only in the 1880s that he was given full credit for it. The hymn’s music was created by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868, and it is still in use today. There are several variations of the hymn, each with a different set of lyrics in a variety of languages.

Other songs, such as the Welsh “Calon Lân,” have been used in conjunction with the lyrics in some instances (originally wedded to the Welsh poem translated as “A Pure Heart”).

Renditions

Bing Crosby (1951, Beloved Hymns)
Tennessee Ernie Ford (1928, Columbia Records)
Washington Phillips, as “Jesus Is My Friend” (1928, Columbia Records)
In 1958, Ernie Ford released the album Nearer the Cross on Capitol Records
In 1959, Rosemary Clooney released the album Hymns from the Heart on MGM Records
In 1963, Reno Smiley and the Tennessee Cut-Ups released the album Brighten the Corner
In 1970, Thurl Ravenscroft released the album Great Hymns In Story and Song
In 1974, Aretha Franklin released the album Amazing Grace
And in 1975, Lester Flatt released the album LPFlatt Gospel FlattScruggs also contributed to the performance when Flatt and Earl Scruggs played together. Bill Monroe (Bear Family (German) BCD-16639) is a fictional character created by author Bill Monroe. It was recorded by several artists, including Wade and Julia Mainer with unknown musicians (1989), Glen Campbell (1989, Favorite Hymns), Driving Miss Daisy(1989), sung at Little Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, The John Tesh Project(2000), and Amy Grant(2002), who included it in a medley called “What a Friend We Have in Jesus/Old Rugged Cross/How Great Thou Art” on her 2002 studio album Legacy. Hymns and Faith, which was eventually featured on her compilation album Be Still and Know (Be Still and Know, 2015). Hymns “Changes” by Alan Price
Alan Jackson (2006, Precious Memories)
Brad Paisley (2008)
Ronnie Milsap (2009, Then Sings My Soul)
Hugh Laurie (2013), “Didn’t It Rain,” as “Changes” by Alan Price
Monty Alexander (2013), “Uplift 2.” In 1979, William Bolcom wrote an arrangement of the song.

In Asia

The title of the hymn was initially translated into Japanese as “Itsukushimi Fukaki” (lit. “Merciful”), which is the name by which it is best known. When Daisui Sugitani reworked the lyrics in Japanese and altered the title to “Hoshi no Yo” (lit. “World of Stars”) in 1910, it was considered a breakthrough. Another version, titled “Hoshi no Sekai” (lit. “World of Stars”), was written by Ryko Kawaji and published under the same title. It is also known by the term “Tsumitoga o Ninou” (lit. “To Bear Sin”) in some regions of Japan.

Both of the hymn instrumentals from “Hoshi no Sekai” and “Itsukushimi Fukaki” are utilized as background music for Key’s 2004 visual novelPlanetarian: The Reverie of a Little Planet, which was arranged byMagome Togoshi and released in Japan in 2004.
Statistics show that the majority of Indonesians are Muslim (about 76 percent), but native religious elements account for up to 90 percent of the overall population, and as a result, the hymn is only generally recognized among artists, scholars, and members of Indonesia’s Christian community.
It is sung as “Yeshu kaisa dost pyara” in Hindi, and it is considered to be a very important song.
In Malayalam, the hymn known as “Enthu Nallore sakhi Yesu” is sung to provide solace and to serve as an invitation to follow Christ in his mission.
Preethi gala mana Yesu is the translation, and it is hymn No.
In India, the hymn “Dulob Jezu,” which is performed in Konkani, was translated into English by Felix Paul Noronha of Mangalore.

For more than a century, this song has been sung in unison by the churches of evangelical denominations. The remake version has also been created using modern Christian music as a foundation.

Parodies and homages

Among the songs that have been made fun of include the soldiers’ song from World War I, “When this awful war is finished.” More recently, the song has been used to express dissatisfaction with the way theBoris Johnson administration handled the Coronavirus outbreak. When thiscovid lockdown is lifted, my, what a relief it will be. Send theBozo back to Eton, if possible. I’m done with the Tory idiots. There will be no more applauding with the cretins. There will be no Matt Handcock making trouble.

Sir KeirStarscream is a fictional character created by Sir Keir Starscream.

Hugh Laurie recorded a cover version of the song for his album Didn’t It Rain in 2013.

Published versions

Rise Up Singing, page 98
Hymn457 in the Lutheran Hymnal
And more sources.

References

“What a friend we have in Jesus,” according to the Hymnology Archive. Retrieved2020-07-05
s^ Chapter IX, page 301 of The Valley of the Trent’s The Valley of the Trent, Edwin C. Guillet’s “Community Life: Religion.” The Champlain Society, 1957
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” retrieved on 2007-05-03
Polack, W. G., et al (1941). Lutheran Hymnal: A Handbook for the Lutheran Hymnal. Concordia University Press, St. Louis, Missouri, p. 323
“Washington Phillips discography.” Washington Phillips discography. wirz.de. Obtainable on August 24, 2015
George Washington Phillips says, “Jesus is my best friend.” AllMusic, accessed August 24, 2015
“Pure Hymns overview,” accessed August 24, 2015. Allmusic. “Monty Alexander UPLIFT 2,” which was retrieved on July 4, 2010. Jazz Legacy Productions is a jazz-themed production company. “Bolcom, W.: Gospel Preludes, Books 1-4 (Hand)”, which was retrieved on January 11, 2014. Naxos. “Itsukushimi Fukaki song sheet,” which was retrieved on November 11, 2021. (PDF). 312: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Retrieved 2008-03-19
Christhiya Keerthanangal (Christian Hymns). 2007. Hymn 173
“Trench Songs – When this Lousy War is Over”. The Poetry of the First World War Digital Archive. On the 30th of July in the year 2020,

External links

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” says the author. Silver wings is a compilation of brand-new Sunday school music that was composed specifically for this project. Boston, Massachusetts: Oliver Ditson Company, 1870. Retrieved2020-07-05
Timeless Truths has a piano score (pdf) available.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: “What a friend we have in Jesus, who is willing to bear all of our sins and sorrows! What an honor it is to bring everything before God in prayer.” The vocalist outlines all of the different ways that God may assist with life’s difficulties and problems. AUTHOR: Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819-1886) wrote the words and Charles Crozat Converse composed the music (1832-1919) EARLIEST DATE: The words were penned in 1855, while the song was composed in 1870. (Johnson) KEYWORDS: non-balladic religious song Jesus was discovered in the United States (Southeast) and the West Indies (Trinidad) REFERENCES (5 citations): Warren-EveryTimeIFeelTheSpirit, pp.

264-265, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”; Warren-EveryTimeIFeelTheSpirit, pp.

364, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” (1 text) The hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is found on pages 182-183 in Charles Johnson’s One Hundred and One Famous Hymns (Hallberg 1982), which also includes the words “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (1 text, 1 tune) “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” by Ira D.

),319 (1880117), “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Ira D.
R.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” a song by John McGhee (Broadway 8136, c.
What an ally we have in the United States Congress (on PeteSeeger39, PeteSeeger44) Get the bosses off your back and move on (by John Brill; DT, DUMPBOSS) NOTES: According to Johnson, author Joseph Medlicott Scriven had two fiancees who died shortly before their weddings, according to Johnson.
This hymn was originally published in 1865, according to Stulken, p.
According to Stulken, p.
While it is probable that he committed suicide in 1886, this cannot be proven or denied, his death in 1886 was caused by drowning.

50).

281), however Ira D.

1700, and Rudin, p.

Another claim made by Sankey was that the song was “discovered” by a neighbor who was sitting up with Scriven when the latter was unwell.

On page 422, Reynolds writes that Scriven was born in County Down in Ireland and entered Trinity College, Dublin, in 1835.

In 1844, he relocated to Ontario, Canada, where he worked as a teacher and tutor while also volunteering his time to help the disabled and needy.

In the words of Reynolds, p.

Converse in 1868, and originally appeared in Silver Wings, collected by Karl Reden (Boston, Oliver Ditson, 1870, No.

50), an amusing coincidence occurred while Sankey was revising the hymnbook that contained this tune and had to choose between two songs.

“What a Friend” was, without a doubt, the song Sankey picked.

287, p.

In the late 1850s, he traveled to Germany to further his musical education.

281, says he graduated law school in 1861 but that he received his Doctor of Law degree in 1895; he had refused a Doctor of Music degree).

In 1918, he passed away in Highwood, New Jersey.

According to McKim (p.

– RBWI believes that the note to USSeaIsland02 has two tracks that are mislabeled.

No breaks are made in the singing, and the song remains unchanged.

As Dargan points out, the music used by USSeaIsland02 is “Restoration,” not the one that is typically associated with this song.

Everything is as a result of our failure to bring everything to God in prayer” – and continues with “I love Jesus” (3x) / “Yes I do.”” Coming to save me” (3x) / “Yes I do,” and “We need Jesus” (3x) / “One more road” are among the phrases heard. – Bibliography of the BS

Julian: John Julian, editor, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1892
Second edition 1907 (I use the 1957 Dover edition in two volumes)
McKim: Linda McKim, editor, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1892
The following books are recommended: McKim, Jo H., Presbyterian Hymnal Companion, Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993
Reynolds, William,Companion to Baptist Hymnal, Broadman Press, 1976
Rudin, Cecilia Margaret,Stories of Hymns We Love, John Rudin Company, 1934 (I use the fourteenth printing of 1951)
Stulken, Marilyn Kay, Hymnal Companion to the Lutheran Book of Worship, Fortress Press

The Story Behind “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

Pastor Brian’s Blog – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 The famous American preacher Dwight L. Moody used the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” in his sermons, publications, and teachings, and it has become a standard in Christian music. Many people were led to assume that the song was an American hymn as a result of this. That is not the case. Originally from Ireland, it was composed by a transplanted Irishman living in Canada. Joseph Scriven grew up in a wealthy household with a good education and a loving family, and he led a nice life in his home Ireland.

After getting his bachelor’s degree from Trinity Institution in London, he went on to study at a military college to prepare for a military career in the United Kingdom.
When Joseph returned to his hometown, he rapidly established himself as a teacher, fell in love, and made plans to live there.
Scriven’s fiancée perished the night before the wedding, which was set for the following day.
Scriven left Ireland shortly after that and settled in Canada to start a new life.
A few weeks before her wedding to Joseph Scriven, she was taken ill by a mysterious illness.
Scriven, who had been broken, resorted to the only thing that had held him together throughout his life: his religion.
Scriven, who was twenty-five years old at the time, made a significant adjustment in his way of life.

He sold all of his worldly goods and made a promise to devote his life to those who were physically disabled and financially needy.

Scriven was dubbed “The Good Samaritan of Port Hope” because of his actions.

“Now there’s a man who’s content with his position in life,” one of the merchants observed.

“Perhaps I can persuade him to chop some wood for my winter supplies.” “I’m familiar with that individual,” the other merchant responded.

He solely chops wood for the financially impoverished and physically disabled who are unable to cut their own firewood,” says the author.

Because of his vow of poverty, Joseph did not have the financial means to return home to assist with her care.

When Joseph Scriven himself fell ill, a friend who came to see him happened to notice a duplicate of the lines scrawled on a scrap of paper beside his bed, and she immediately recognized them as belonging to him.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, who bears all of our sins and sorrows with us!

Because we do not bring everything to God in prayer, how much serenity we frequently sacrifice, how much unnecessary suffering we endure!

Is there any difficulty in any part of the world?

Is it possible to have a buddy who is so loyal that he will share all of our misfortunes with us?

Bring it to the Lord in prayer.

We must take it to the Lord in prayer, Precious Savior, who is still our refuge; Do thy friends disdain and leave thee?

There, you will find comfort.

In his short life, he could never have anticipated that his song would be performed in every country on the planet, or that we would be talking about him and those scrawled lyrics today.

In fact, Jesus is so in love with you that he demonstrated his feelings for you by dying for you. No one has shown greater love than he has shown his friends by laying down his life for them. 15:13 (John 15:13) May this song direct your attention to the most important buddy you’ve ever had.

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

The words of Martin Simpson, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” According to the recording A More Personal Walk With Thee. Martin Simpson is a guitarist who specializes in classical guitar. Joe Weed performs on fiddles. Joe Weed was in charge of the production. Joe Weed recorded, mixed, and mastered the album at Highland Studio (1994). Joe Weed was in charge of the production. Gourd Music (BMI) / Jozone Music are the publishers (BMI) Washington Phillips, whose whole recorded output is now available on Yazoo Records, taught me the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” which I learnt from him.

However, his subject matter is death and deliverance and his accompaniments are light and filigreed in comparison.
The hymn’s melody was written by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868, while the setting was penned by William Bolcom the following year.
I am confident that Washington Phillips, who only recorded the first stanza of this song in 1927, understood it to be an old song at the time.
What a buddy we have in Jesus, who is willing to suffer all of our sins and sorrows!
How much serenity we frequently sacrifice, how much unnecessary suffering we endure, just because we fail to bring everything before God in prayer!
Is there any difficulty in any part of the world?
Is it possible to meet a buddy who is so loyal, who would share all of our tragedies with us?
Are we weakened and burdened with a tremendous burden of responsibility?
Do your friends detest you and abandon you?
He will take thee into His arms and shelter thee; thou wilt find comfort in His embrace.
Soon, in a glorious, unclouded day, there will be no need for prayer—only rapture, praise, and infinite adoration will be sufficient.

History Behind the Hymn: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

It is through moments of grief and loneliness that we come to a deep understanding of God, as expressed in the wonderful song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Originally from Dublin, Ireland, a man by the name of Joseph Scriven wrote the lyrics for the song (1820-1886). This is an important aspect of his story. As a recent graduate of Trinity College, he was looking forward to the day when he and his long-term partner would tie the knot together. She had been his childhood sweetheart, and he had made all of the necessary arrangements for their wedding.

She was thrown into the neighboring river when her horse was frightened by something while she was riding toward him to greet him.
In the aftermath of this devastating loss, Joseph was upset by the sight of his family’s house in Ireland, and he fled for Ontario, Canada, where he spent the remainder of his days in the town of Port Hope.
Finally, he began instructing the children of a local businessman and became smitten with his employer’s niece, Eliza, as a result of his tutoring work.
Once again, tragedy intervened in Joseph Scriven’s life when the long-awaited wedding day failed to materialize.
He first sent the words to his mother in a letter, with the intention that she would be the only one to read them.
His remarks serve as a reminder that, even though life is difficult and terrible at times, we have someone with us who is a dearer friend than any human could ever be, supporting us and sticking near to us through it all, no matter what.

It is by remembering his narrative that we and the children in our life might get the faith necessary to persevere and to help those in need at all times.

Lyrics

What a buddy we have in Jesus, who is willing to suffer all of our sins and sorrows! I count it a great honor to bring everything before God in prayer! How much serenity we frequently sacrifice, and how much unnecessarily painful suffering we endure, just because we do not bring all to God in prayer!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

The following two tabs alter the content of the section below. Aria is in charge of content at KidTunz and enjoys putting individuals in touch with resources that can help them achieve their objectives more quickly. Aside from attending community events and writing about effective NGOs, her hobbies include painting birds, hip-hop dancing, and meeting new people over a cup of coffee.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus > Lyrics

Joseph M. Scriven, 1855copyright status isPublic Domain Subjects: Friendship, Comfort, PrayerScripture:Exodus 33:11; John 15:13; 16:23-24ErieCharles C. Converse, 1868copyright status isPublic Domain Key:FMeter:8.7.8.7 D Learn about music formats.viewsheet musicplaymidiErieCharles C. Converse, 1868arr. byJohn B. Herbertcopyright status isPublic Domain Key:FMeter:8.7.8.7 D Learn about music formats.viewsheet musicplaymidiThis song in other languages:.pdfDeutsch (German).pdfPусский (Russian)

Joseph M. Scriven, 1855copyright status isPublic Domain

Subjects: Friendship, Comfort, PrayerScripture:Exodus 33:11; John 15:13; 16:23-24ErieCharles C. Converse, 1868copyright status isPublic Domain

Key:FMeter:8.7.8.7 D

Learn about music formats.viewsheet musicplaymidiErieCharles C. Converse, 1868arr. byJohn B. Herbertcopyright status isPublic Domain

Key:FMeter:8.7.8.7 D

Learn about music formats.viewsheet musicplaymidiThis song in other languages:.pdfDeutsch (German).pdfPусский (Russian)

What a buddy we have in Jesus, who is willing to suffer all of our sins and sorrows! I count it a great honor to bring everything before God in prayer! Oh, what serenity we frequently forfeit, Oh, what unnecessary suffering we endure, All because we do not bring everything to God in prayer
Have we had difficulties and temptations? Is there any difficulty in any part of the world? We should never give up
Instead, we should take our problems to the Lord in prayer. Is it possible to have a buddy who is so loyal that he will share all of our misfortunes with us? Jesus is aware of our every weakness
Confess it to the Lord in prayer
Are we weak and burdened with a burden of worry? Are we burdened with a burden of worry? Take it to the Lord in prayer, O most Sacred Savior, who is still our shelter. Do your friends detest you and abandon you? Pray about it and bring it to the Lord! He will take thee into His arms and shelter thee, and there you will find comfort. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised that Thou willst carry all of our responsibilities
May we always, Lord, be bringing all of our burdens to Thee in prayer. Rapture, praise, and continuous worship will replace prayer in the soon-to-come light radiant and unclouded by the presence of the Holy Spirit. There will be a nice portion for us there

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics, Hymn Meaning and Story

Joseph M. Scriven is a well-known author. The ability to come to God each day and surrender our cares and anxieties is a tremendous privilege. Our troubles can be removed and our spirits can be purified when we have Jesus as a friend. Watch this video to hear the beautiful lyrics of the song “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” and understand the wonderful narrative that inspired this uplifting song. This is a song that you’ll want to sing to Him each and every day in order to honor His name. What a buddy we have in Jesus, who is willing to suffer all of our sins and sorrows!

How much serenity we frequently sacrifice, how much unnecessary suffering we endure, just because we fail to bring everything before God in prayer!
Is there any difficulty in any part of the world?
Is it possible to meet a buddy who is so loyal, who would share all of our tragedies with us?
Are we weakened and burdened with a tremendous burden of responsibility?
Do your friends detest you and abandon you?
He will take thee into His arms and shelter thee; thou wilt find comfort in His embrace.
Soon, in a glorious, unclouded day, there will be no need for prayer—only rapture, praise, and infinite adoration will be sufficient.
Songwriters Charles C.
Public Domain has published this article.

The Story Behind What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph Scriven was born in the Irish capital of Dublin in 1820. He received his education at Trinity College in Dublin and was engaged to be married at the time of his death. Scriven’s fiance died in a drowning accident the night before their wedding. A tragic event, compounded by strained family connections, compelled Joseph to adopt the practices and philosophies of the Plymouth Brethren. Scriven met and fell in love with Eliza Roche shortly after relocating to Canada to pursue a teaching career.

Joseph was able to empathize with the elderly and underprivileged because of the tragedies and difficulties he had experienced in life.
When Joseph penned his renowned hymn in 1855, he was doing so to console his mother, who was still living in Ireland at the time.
Scriven himself began to suffer from ill health, financial difficulties, and despair during his final years on the planet.
He was suffering from a severe depression at the time.
I retreated to an adjoining room, not to sleep, but rather to observe and await the outcome of the situation.
Despite extensive searching, no sign of the missing guy could be found until, just after midday, his body was located in a nearby body of water, dead and cold in death.” According to Christianity.com’s article, “How Did Joseph M.

Make Thyself My Vision in the Name of the Most High, the Most Holy, the Most Holy Lord God Almighty Amazing Grace

History of Hymns: ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’

Written by C. Michael Hawn Joseph Scriven is a fictional character created by author Joseph Scriven. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” says the author. Written by Joseph Scriven The United Methodist Hymnal has 526 hymns. What a Friend we have in Jesus, who bears all of our sins and sorrows with us! What an honor it is to bring everything before God in prayer! O what serenity we frequently sacrifice, O what needless suffering we endure—all because we do not bring all to God in prayer, we are doing a grave sin.

Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819–1886) was born in Seapatrick, Ireland (now Northern Ireland) and died in Ontario, Canada.

Upon completing his studies at Trinity College, Dublin, he decided to pursue a military career, in which he was trained for duty in India.

He returned to Trinity and received his bachelor’s degree in 1842.

Scriven’s Life

Scriven’s life has been filled with sorrow. His Irish fiancée drowned accidentally the night before their wedding, prompting his relocation to Woodstock, Canada West (now Ontario), where he headed a Plymouth Brethren congregation and lectured. Scriven founded a private school in Brantford in 1850 and also preached throughout the surrounding region. Some historians think that Scriven may have written the first draft of “What a Friend” around this time period, according to their research. In 1855, after settling near Clinton in Huron County, he began reading the Bible to railway construction workers who were working on the Grand Trunk Railway, which was being built across Canada West.

Tragic events befell him once more when his second fiancée, Eliza Catherine Roach, Pengelly’s niece, died suddenly of an illness just weeks before their wedding in 1860.
According to hymnologist Albert Bailey, Scriven was known as “the guy who saws wood for destitute widows and sick persons who are unable to pay” because of his altruistic character (Bailey, 1950, p.
The following is a description of what we know about the circumstances surrounding Scriven’s death in October 1886, according to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography: Severe ill-health and melancholy accompanied him in his final days.
Scriven left his bed without disturbing anyone one hot night in 1866, most likely to drink from a nearby spring; he was found dead in the spillway of Sackville’s grist-mill, just a few feet from the spring, some hours later, presumably having fainted or fallen.
Scriven was buried at the Pengelly burial-ground in an unmarked tomb between Eliza Roach and Commander Pengelly (Macpherson, “Scriven,” n.d.).
Sackville saw the unhappy Scriven “prostrate in mind and body” a few days before his death, and overheard him remark, “I pray the Lord would take me home” (Cleland, 1895, p.
It was never determined if his death was the result of an accident or a suicide.

Friends and neighbors eventually placed a monument over his gravestone to commemorate his life. The historical monument for Joseph Medlicott Scriven was unveiled in Otanabee-South Monaghan, Ontario, Canada, to commemorate his homestead and burial site.

Origins of ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’

Hymns and Other Verses was a collection of Scriven’s poetic works that included seventy-one hymns “intended to be sung in assemblies of the children of God on the first day of the week and on other occasions when two or three are met together in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These were followed by thirty-four scriptural paraphrases “not to be sung in the assembly, but to express truth, as well as convey comfort, instruction, or reproof to our hearts (Scriven, 1869, Preface).

The song for which he is most known, “What a Friend,” does not feature in the collection, though.
Some commentators have speculated that the song was composed for his mother, who was unwell at the time of its composition.
Sankey (1840–1908) (as reported in Bailey, 1950, pp.
This assumption, on the other hand, is difficult to verify.
Sackville, near Rice Lake.
Sackville, whom the elderly woman, who is now over eighty years old, cherishes.
13).

If this is the case, The personal first-person plural perspective of this hymn is in contrast to the author’s other songs.

Carl Daw Jr.

470).

Packard’s Spiritual Minstrel: A Collection of Hymns and Music(1857), however this is incorrect (See Fenner, 2020, n.p.).

Charles Converse (1832–1918), a New England composer and church musician, incorporated the words in hisSilver Wings(1870), which he published with his own melody under the pen name Karl Reden, which is a Germanization of his given name (“reden” meaning “to talk” or “converse”).

There does not appear to be a copy of this hymnal in existence.

Moody (1837–1899)’s revival performances.

Over the years, the text has remained extraordinarily stable, with just a few minor editing modifications.

It was written in four quatrains, the first three of which are well-known to readers.

For more information, please see the text at Fenner, 2020, n.p.

First and foremost, Stanza 1 establishes the fact that Jesus is a friend who is capable of bearing our sins and responsibilities.

The hymnwriters of the nineteenth century are particularly well-known for expressing their personal connection with Jesus.

Stead (1882), “I Must Tell Jesus All of My Trials” by Elisha A.

(1873).

The second stanza poses two rhetorical questions, which are rhetorical since, after all, all people are subjected to “trials and temptations” and witness “trouble” at some point in their lives.

Lastly, a rhetorical inquiry asks, “Can we find another buddy who is so devoted.?” The comfort that comes from a close connection with someone who “knows our every weakness” is a wonderful thing.

Do your buddies dislike you and abandon you?

Another prevalent motif in hymns from this time period is the idea of Jesus embracing his companion in his arms at the end of the song.

The following fourth stanza was discovered by hymnologist Fred Gealy in Hastings’Songs of Pilgrimage: A Hymnal for the Churches of Christ(Boston, 1886; Second Ed.

1888): Blessed Jesus, thou hast fulfilled thy promise Thou wilt bear all of our responsibilities; may we always, Lord, be bringing all of our burdens to thee in prayer.

It is possible that this stanza was inserted by the editor because he considered that an eschatological focus would be more theologically appropriate for a concluding stanza in this particular hymnal, which appears to be the only one to feature it.

Despite this, Bailey acknowledges that “the immense service the hymn has done renders our critique inconsequential.” Even the most illiterate person may comprehend it; the most modest saint can take its admonitions to heart and practice prayer, so finding his burden less burdensome and his spiritual life enhanced” (Bailey, 1950, p.

Taking a Lutheran viewpoint, Paul Westermeyer notes that the song has been a source of consolation for many who have heard it, but that the song has also been a part of an evangelical Protestantism that betrays its own past by turning prayer into a means of controlling God’s favor.
consolation, as well as forfeiting tranquility or enduring sorrow.
606).
The unfortunate reality is that singing it has sometimes served as a replacement for the entire prayer life that it encourages, and its advice has been valued but not followed” (Daw, 2016, p.
Although various songs are associated with this poem, CONVERSE by Charles Converse is the most well-known.
Interestingly, Young (1993, p.

From long-established white performers like Pat Boone (feature=emb title), Rosemary Clooney, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton to African American gospel artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Ike and Tina Turner (feature=emb title), the list of recording artists who have performed this song is staggering.

Baloche’s improvisatory coda serves as a link between the nineteenth century and the twenty-first century.

The simplicity of the language becomes a virtue in translation, and the folk-like melody is easily understood by people of many cultural backgrounds.

There are just a handful hymns that I have heard more frequently all around the world than this one.

5–6) on the liner “Scriven’s Victory.” One hundred years later, this author confirms hearing this song sung in a variety of languages and renditions, including in a humble congregation for people with leprosy near Ogbomosho, Nigeria; a Filipino Anglican congregation in Manila; a thriving Baptist congregation in Matanzas, Cuba; and an African American Methodist congregation in Atlanta, among other locations.

Over the course of more than one hundred fifty years, a simple poem composed in Canada as a private meditation for the author’s mother in Ireland has made its way into many hearts throughout the world and, without a doubt, has been a source of solace for millions of Christians.

SOURCES

Albert E. Bailey’s The Gospel in Hymns (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1950) is a collection of hymns written by Albert E. Bailey. What a Friend We Have in Jesus and Other Poems by Joseph Scriven with a Sketch of the Author (Port Hope: W. Williamson, Publishers, 1895): December 27, 2020. James Cleland, What a Friend We Have in Jesus and Other Poems by Joseph Scriven with a Sketch of the Author (Port Hope: W. Williamson, Publishers, 1895): December 27, 2020. Glory to God: A Companion to the Book of Psalms by Carl P.

(Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2016) .
Chris Fenner, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Hymnology Archive (February 2020), December 26, 2020.
Margaret Leask, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Hugh D.
Hugh D.
“Scriven, Joseph Medlicott,” Dictionary of Canadian Biography (Vol XI (1881–1890), December 26, 2020).
Hymns and Other Verses (Peterborough: James Stephens, 1869): December 26, 2020).
Hymnal Companion: Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Paul Westermeyer, Hymnal Companion: Evangelical Lutheran Worship) (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2010).
Young’s Companion to the United Methodist Hymnal is a must-have for every hymnophile (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993).
Michael Hawn, D.M.A., F.H.S., is University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Church Music and Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, as well as the Director of the Doctor of Pastoral Music Program at the university.

Contact Us for Help

To request further assistance, go through the personnel by program area.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus is a song that was initially composed as a poem in 1855 by preacher Joseph M Scriven to console his mother, who was living in Ireland at the time while he was studying in Canada. Scriven first published the poem under an assumed name, and it was only in the 1880s that he was given full credit for it. The hymn’s music was written by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868, and it is still in use today. Millions of people throughout the world believe it to be one of the most treasured hymns in the world.

What A Friend We Have In Jesus – Lyrics

What a Friend we have in Jesus, who bears all of our sins and sorrows with us! I count it a great honor to bring everything before God in prayer! Because we do not bring everything to God in prayer, how much serenity we frequently sacrifice, how much unnecessary suffering we endure! Have we faced difficulties and temptations? Is there any difficulty in any part of the world? We should never give up, and we should always take our problems to the Lord in prayer. Is it possible to have a buddy who is so loyal that he will share all of our misfortunes with us?

Bring it to the Lord in prayer.

We must take it to the Lord in prayer, Precious Savior, who is still our refuge; Do thy friends despize and desert thee? Make a prayer offering to the Lord, and He will take you into His arms and cover you from harm. There, you will find comfort.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Recording

“WHAT A FRIEND IN JESUS WE HAVE” says the author. He “in whom we have boldness, and in whom we have access with confidence because of our faith in Him” (Eph. 3.12) INTRO.: An example of a song that speaks of the access that we have to God because Jesus is our Friend is “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” ( 69 inHymns for Worship Revised, and63 inSacred Selections for the Church). The text was written by Joseph (some of our books mistakenly have George) Medlicott Scriven, who was born on Sept. 10, 1819, at Seapatrick in County Down, Ireland, near Dublin, into the wealthy family of Capt.

However, his life was filled with tragedy and disappointment, as well as physical illness.

As a result, he enrolled in Trinity College in 1835, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1842.

Scriven emigrated to Rice Lake, near Bewdley, Ontario, Canada, in 1844, when he was 25 years old, in order to help himself recover from the trauma.

There, he rekindled his romance with Miss Eliza Catherine Roche, with whom he later became engaged.

A short time before they were to be married, Miss Roche contracted pneumonia and died.

Making his living as a carpenter, he received meager wages because he worked mostly for the widows and the sick, seldom for anyone able to pay, and what little he did make he often gave away to the needy.

In 1857, when Scriven himself was ill, a friend with whom he was staying, James Sackville, found a copy of the poem and asked who penned it.

Hastings’s 1865Social Hymns, Original and Selected.

(1832-1919).

1edited by Ira David Sankey (1840-1908).

The 1878Methodist Hymnalappears to be among the first American collection to match the text with the tune.

10, 1886, was found dead in a nearby stream by the friend with whom he was staying.

Sometime after his death, his neighbors erected a monument to his memory in Pengelley’s Cemetery on the Port Hope-Peterborough Rd.

Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord’s church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, the song appeared in the 1921Great Songs of the Church(No.

2both edited by E.

Jorgenson; the 1935Christian Hymns(No.

2, and the 1966Christian Hymns No.

Welch; and the 1963Christian Hymnaledited by J.

Today it may be found in the 1971Songs of the Church, the 1990Songs of the Church 21st C.

Howard; the 1978/1983Church Gospel Songs and Hymnsedited by V.

Howard; the 1986Great Songs Revisededited by Forrest M.

Wiegand; in addition toHymns for Worship,Sacred Selections, and the 2007Sacred Songs of the Churchedited by William D.

We can find relief when we take our burdens to the Lord, our Friend, in prayer.

Stanza 1 tells us that Jesus is a true friend who cares for us.

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to the Lord in prayer.” A.

18.24B.

15.13-15C.

4.6-7 II.

Is there any difficulty in any part of the world?

Is it possible to have a buddy who is so loyal that he will share all of our misfortunes with us?

All of God’s people do experience trials and temptations from time to time: Jas.

However, we should never be discouraged but can rejoice even in our tribulations because we have access to God through Christ: Rom.

It should be of great comfort to us to know that Jesus will share all our sorrows because He knows our every weakness and aid us in all our temptations: Heb.

Stanza 3 reminds us that because we can go to God in prayer through this Friend, we can find refuge and solace in Him”Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Do your friends detest you and abandon you?

Jesus calls to all who are weak and heavy laden to come to Him: Matt.

Those who are cumbered with a load of care are invited to cast it all on the Lord: 1 Pet.

When we “take it to the Lord in prayer” we can find grace to help us in time of need: Heb.

Stanza 4, almost universally omitted, describes heaven as a place where praise will replace prayer “Blessed Jesus, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear; May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to thee in earnest prayer.

As long as we live upon this earth, we can cast our burdens on the Lord in earnest prayer: Ps.

5.16B.

22.3-4C.

4.8-11 CONCL.: Some have been critical of this hymn because they do not consider it good poetry.

The author once said that he wrote it “in a time of special sorrow, not intending that anyone else should see it.” We can be glad that his original intention was not achieved.

Anyone can easily understand the thought of this hymn, simply worded but profoundly true. We are encouraged to practice prayer and find our loads more bearable as we sing, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.”

Song What A Friend We Have In Jesus

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Wikipedia