The Song What A Friend We Have In Jesus

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 – 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

  • 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 Christians worldwide. After publishing the poem anonymously in the early 1880s, Scriven was finally given full credit for it. Converse produced the music for the hymn in 1868, and it is known as “Charles Crozat Converse’s Hymnal.” As well as numerous distinct versions with varied lyrics in multiple languages, there are several further variations on the theme of the hymn: According to theHandbook to the Lutheran Hymnal, “despite the fact that this song, with its music, has been condemned as being too much on the order of the emotional gospel type, its popularity remains strong, and the hymn keeps a position in the hymnal.” Other songs, such as the Welsh “Calon Lân,” have been used in conjunction with the lyrics in specific situations (originally wedded to the Welsh poem translated as “A Pure Heart”).

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. It is sung as “Yeshu kaisa dost pyara” in Hindi, and it is considered to be a very important song.
  4. 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.
  5. Preethi gala mana Yesu is the translation, and it is hymn No.
  6. 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

When it was first translated into Japanese, the hymn’s title was “Itsukushimi Fukaki” (literally, “Merciful”), which is still the name by which it is most often known today. When Daisui Sugitani reworked the lyrics in Japanese and altered the title to “Hoshi no Yo” (lit. “World of Stars”) in 1910, it became known as “Hoshi no Yo.” “Hoshi no Sekai” (Hoshi no Sekai, lit. “World of Stars”) is the title of another version authored by Ryko Kawaji and published under the same title. It is also known by the term “Tsumitoga o Ninou” (lit.

  • Wedding rituals in Japan are frequently accompanied by this hymn.
  • Both hymn instrumentals were arranged byMagome Togoshi.
  • Although the majority of Indonesians are Muslim (about 76 percent), indigenous religions account for up to 90 percent of the overall population, and as a result, the hymn is only generally recognized among musicians, scholars, and members of Indonesia’s Christian community.
  • It is known as “Yeshu kaisa dost pyara” in Hindi, and it is a very significant 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 teaching.
  • Preethi gala mana Yesu is the translation, and it is hymn No.
  • It was Felix Paul Noronha of Mangalore who first translated the hymn “Dulob Jezu,” which was originally sung in Konkani.
  • Evangelical churches have sung this song in unison for more than a century, and it is still popular today.
See also:  Who Helped Jesus Carry The Cross Before He Was Crucified

Published versions

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

References

  1. “What a friend we have in Jesus,” according to the Hymnology Archive. Retrieved2020-07-05
  2. 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
  3. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” retrieved on 2007-05-03
  4. Polack, W. G., et al (1941). Lutheran Hymnal: A Handbook for the Lutheran Hymnal. Concordia University Press, St. Louis, Missouri, p. 323
  5. “Washington Phillips discography.” Washington Phillips discography. wirz.de. Obtainable on August 24, 2015
  6. George Washington Phillips says, “Jesus is my best friend.” AllMusic, accessed August 24, 2015
  7. “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
  8. Christhiya Keerthanangal (Christian Hymns). 2007. Hymn 173
  9. “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

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. There will be a nice part for us there.

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.

  1. She was thrown into the neighboring river when her horse was frightened by something while she was riding toward him to greet him.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Once again, tragedy intervened in Joseph Scriven’s life when the long-awaited wedding day failed to materialize.
  5. He first sent the words to his mother in a letter, with the intention that she would be the only one to read them.
  6. 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.

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

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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)

  1. 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
  2. Have we had difficulties and temptations? Is there any difficulty in any part of the world? We should never give up
  3. 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
  4. Confess it to the Lord in prayer
  5. 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
  6. 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

It’s amazing what a buddy we have in Jesus, who is willing to suffer all of our faults and troubles! I consider it a great honor to bring everything to God via prayer! Oh, what serenity we frequently forfeit, Oh, what unnecessary suffering we endure, All because we do not bring all to God in prayer; Have we had difficulties and temptations? Yes. There’s anything wrong with the world today? Take it to the Lord in prayer if you’re feeling down or discouraged. Is it possible to meet a buddy who is so dependable that he will share all of our sorrows?

  • If so, confess it to the Lord in prayer.
  • We offer it to the Lord in prayer, O precious Savior, who is still our refuge.
  • Do they dislike or desert you?
  • If thou seekst consolation, He will take thy burden and carry it in His arms.
  • Those are going to be our delicious treats.

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

What A Friend We Have In Jesus — Amazing Hymns

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?

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 entrance 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 Medlicott Scriven, who was born on September 10, 1819, in Seapatrick, County Down, Ireland, near Dublin, into the affluent family of Capt.

  1. Some of our publications incorrectly refer to him as George Medlicott Scriven, but he was really Joseph Medlicott Scriven.
  2. Because of his failing health, he was forced to forsake his plans to follow in his father’s footsteps into the military.
  3. His intended wife, on the other hand, killed in an accident the evening before their wedding day.
  4. He worked as a schoolteacher at the Pengelley estate.
  5. Once again, catastrophe struck.
  6. Afterwards, Scriven relocated to Port Hope, which is about ten miles north of Rice Lake, where he became a member of the Plymouth Brethren religious sect and began serving the needy by assisting individuals who were physically disabled and financially impoverished.

Despite the fact that he was seen as strange by his neighbors, he was admired and became known as “the Good Samaritan of Port Hope.” His mother’s critical sickness was discovered around 1855, and because he couldn’t be with her because he lived in Dublin, he wrote her a letter of solace that included the words to this song.

  • Scriven said, “It was between the Lord and myself that we accomplished it.” Sackville obtained permission to publish it, and it originally appeared anonymously in Horace L.
  • Charles Crozat Converse, a well-known musician of the day, created the song (known as Erie or Converse) for this poem in 1868 for the first time (1832-1919).
  • It was later included in an 1870 Sunday school hymnbook, Silver Wings, published in Richmond, Virginia.
  • 1edited by Ira David Sankey, which brought the song to the attention of the entire world (1840-1908).
  • In 1886, Scriven went to Rice Lake for a visit, fell unwell, and died in a nearby stream on the cold morning of August 10, 1886, according to a friend with whom he was living at the time.
  • His neighbors created a monument to his memory in Pengelley’s Cemetery on the Port Hope-Peterborough Road, which features an inscription from his renowned song.
  • The song was included in several hymnbooks published by members of the Lord’s church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, including the 1921Great Songs of the Church(No.

2both edited by E.

Jorgenson; the 1935Christian Hymns(No.

2, and the 1966Christian Hymns No.

O.

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

Howard; the 1986Great Songs Revisededited by Forrest M.

Wiegand When we bring our burdens to the Lord, our Friend, and pray about them, we can receive relief.

The first stanza tells us that Jesus is a good friend who is concerned about us.

It is a blessing to bring everything before the Lord via prayer.

Jesus is actually a Friend who clings closer than a sibling in the following ways: 18.24B of the Bible.

15.13-15C.

The second stanza argues that, because Jesus is a friend, we have access to God via Him in times of struggle or temptation.

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?

Trials and temptations come to all of God’s people from time to time (Jas.

However, we should never be disheartened, but rather should be filled with joy even in the midst of our trials, since we have direct connection to God through Christ: 5.1-4.C.

When we realize that Jesus will share all of our sufferings with us since He understands every weakness we have and will assist us in all of our temptations, we should feel a wonderful sense of relief: 2.17-18 (Hebrews 2.17-18) We can find refuge and peace in God as a result of the fact that we can approach God in prayer through this Friend, according to Stanza 3 “So, are we frail and burdened with a heavy load of responsibilities?

  • Sacred Savior, you are still our refuge– In prayer, bring it to the Lord’s attention.
  • Make a prayer offering to the Lord, and He will take you into His arms and cover you from harm.
  • Jesus invites everyone who are weak and burdened to come to Him in the following way: Matthew 11.28 to 30B.
  • 5.7C.
  • 5.7C.
  • “As Thou hast spoken, Thou will carry all of our burdens; may we, Lord, never cease to offer everything to Thee in serious prayer.
  • 55.22 and Jas.
  • The good news is that, one day, we will be in glory, where we will no longer be required to pray since we will be in the exact presence of God Himself: Rev.
  • Rather, ecstasy, praise, and ceaseless worship will be the fate of the redeemed who have learnt to “take it to the Lord in prayer” throughout their time on earth: Rev.
  • 4.8-11 (revised version) CONCL.: Some people have criticized this hymn because they do not think it is good poetry, and they have a valid point.
  • In an interview, the author stated that he wrote it “during a time of particular sorrow, with no intention of letting anyone else see it.” We can be thankful that his original goal was not accomplished.

Anyone can easily comprehend the sentiment expressed in this hymn, which is simple in its language but profoundly true in its meaning. As we sing, “What a Friend We Have In Jesus,” we are encouraged to practice prayer and to make our burdens more bearable by the Lord.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

We have in Jesus a buddy who will endure all of our sins and sorrow with us! What an honor it is to bring everything before God in prayer! How much serenity we frequently sacrifice, how much unnecessary suffering we endure, just because we fail to bring everything before God in prayer! 2Have we faced difficulties and temptations? Is there any difficulty in any part of the world? We should never give up; instead, we should take our concerns 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?

  • 3 Are we weakened and burdened by a burden of worry?
  • Take it to the Lord in prayer, precious Savior, for you are still our shelter.
  • In prayer, bring it to the Lord’s attention.
  • Includes a PowerPoint presentation in wide format!
  • Please note that this PowerPoint file has recently been modified to our new format.
  • We made a modification to the way our PowerPoint files were structured starting in November of last year.
  • All songs that were digitized before to that date are in the “older” format, which is described below.

What A Friend We Have In Jesus – Lyrics Only

Preacher Joseph M. Scriven is the author of this work. Charles Crozat is the composer. Converse The year is 1868. What a wonderful Friend we have in Jesus, despite all of our faults and sorrows! To be able to bring everything before God in prayer is an incredible blessing. Because we do not bring everything to God in prayer, how much serenity we often sacrifice, how much unnecessary suffering we endure. Have we faced difficulties and temptations? Is there any difficulty in any part of the world?

  1. Is it possible to meet a friend who is as loyal as we are and who would share all of our misfortunes with us?
  2. Afraid that we are weak and burdened with a great load of responsibility?
  3. Do your buddies dislike you and abandon you?
  4. He will take you into His arms and shelter you from harm; you will find comfort in His embrace.

Soon, amid the unclouded splendor of God’s presence, there will be no need for prayer. Our lovely share will be rapture, praise, and unending worship when we arrive.

Downloads

While suffering, many hymn authors were able to find consolation in the arms of Jesus, and through their music, they were able to guide others to this source of unshakeable pleasure. Discover more about the tragedy that inspired the hymn writer to draft these lyrics by reading a tale from Carl Price’s One Hundred and One Hymn Stories. One of the most useful hymns now in general usage is Joseph Scriven’s song about the friendship of Jesus, the comforter and burden-bearer, which is sung to the tune of “The Friendship of Jesus.” Scriven was born in 1820 in Dublin, Ireland, and died in 1886.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in his hometown.

At the time of his engagement, he had known and loved the lady for quite some time and had always wanted to marry her.

However, only a few days before the wedding, his promised fiancée was unintentionally drowned, and he was plunged into the depths of the most terrible grief.

What a Friend we have in Jesus,All our sins and griefs to bear!

He penned the song to console his mother in her own sadness as a result of this incident, which he sent to her in Ireland as a result of the strong compassion engendered in his heart by it. It is unclear how it got to be published for the first time, as he had not meant it for wide distribution. Indeed, for a period of time following its publication, its authorship remained a mystery, with Dr. Horatius Bonar’s name being occasionally given wrongly as the author. After Scriven’s death, however, he was officially acknowledged as the author of the song that has benefited tens of thousands of Christians worldwide since its publication.

The Lyrics to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

What a buddy 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! It is amazing how much serenity we often sacrifice, how much unnecessary suffering we endure, just because we do not bring all to God in prayer. Have we faced difficulties and temptations? Is there any difficulty in any part of the world? We should never give up; instead, we should take our concerns 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?

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 shalt find comfort in his embrace.

Listen toWhat A Friend We Have In Jesus

Hymn 79 on page 87 of Carl F.

Price’s One Hundred and One Hymn Stories, which is adapted from the hymn.

  • The Story of the Hymn: Jesus, Lover of My Soul
  • Story of the Hymn: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Story of the Hymn: Praise God, from Whom all blessings abound
  • Story of the Hymn: Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
  • Story of the Hymn: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!” What a Friend We Have in Jesus, according to the hymn. When I look at the wondrous Cross, I am filled with awe. Jesus Paid it All: A Song of Thanksgiving
  • America’s Favorite Hymns – The Most Popular Hymns From 1737 to 1960
  • America’s Favorite Songs

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What a Friend We Have in Jesus

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  • 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

Version 5.2 was the most recent upgrade. FSWB364AG is the file number. To get started, fill out the Ballad Search form. To access the Ballad Index Song List, click here. Instructions for accessing the Ballad Index Go to the Ballad Index to find out more. BibliographyorDiscography Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle’s The Ballad Index Copyright 2021 is a work of fiction.

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