What A Friend We Have In Jesus Hymn Lyrics

What A Friend We Have In Jesus — Amazing Hymns

Beginning as early as the third century A.D., this method of determining the beginning and end of Holy Week has been constant in Christian practice across the world. Asked The UMC, a program of United Methodist Communications, created and published the material you’re reading right now.

​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

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. There will be a nice part for us there. Songwriters Charles C. Converse is an American businessman and philanthropist. 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.

  1. Joseph was able to empathize with the elderly and underprivileged because of the tragedies and difficulties he had experienced in life.
  2. 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.
  3. Scriven himself began to suffer from ill health, financial difficulties, and despair during his final years on the planet.
  4. He was suffering from a severe depression at the time.
  5. I retreated to an adjoining room, not to sleep, but rather to observe and await the outcome of the situation.
  6. 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.
  7. 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, Hymnlyrics.org

What A Friend We Have in JesusWhat 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.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.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.Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bearMay we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayerRapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.Words: Joseph Scriven (1857)-Someone has well penned this statement, “A Christian’s practical theology isoften his hymnology.” Many of us could attest to this truth as we recall somedeeply moving experience – perhaps the loss of a dear loved one-and a simplehymn which has been used by the Holy Spirit to minister to our spiritual need.Such a hymn is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Though it is not considered tobe an example of great literary writing, its simply stated truths have broughtsolace and comfort to countless numbers of God’s people since it was firstwritten in 1857. So relevant to the basic spiritual needs of people are thesewords that many missionaries state that it is one of the first hymns taught tonew converts. The very simplicity of the text and music has been its appeal andstrength.Joseph Scriven was born in 1819 of prosperous parents in Dublin, Ireland. He wasa graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. At the age of twenty-five he decided toleave his native country and migrate to Canada. His reasons for leaving hisfamily and country seem to be two-fold: the religious influence of the PlymouthBrethren upon his life estranging him from his family and the accidentaldrowning of his fiancee the night before their scheduled wedding.From that time Scriven developed a totally different pattern of life. He tookthe Sermon on the Mount literally. It is said that he gave freely of his limitedpossessions, even sharing the clothing from his own body, if necessary, andnever once refused to help anyone who needed it. Ira Sankey tells in hiswritings of the man who, seeing Scriven in the streets of Port Hope, Ontario,with his sawbuck and saw, asked, “Who is that man? I want him to work for me.”The answer was, “You cannot get that man; he saws wood only for poor widows andsick people who cannot pay.” Because of this manner of life Scriven wasrespected but was considered to be eccentric by those who knew him.”What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was never intended by Scriven for publication.Upon learning of his mother’s serious illness and unable to be with her infar-off Dublin, he wrote a letter of comfort enclosing the words of this text.Some time later when he himself was ill, a friend who came to call on himchanced to see the poem scribbled on scratch paper near the bed. The friend readit with keen interest and asked Scriven if he had written the words. Scriven,with typical modesty, replied, “The Lord and I did it between us.” In 1869 asmall collection of his poems was published. It was simply entitled Hymns andOther Verses.After the death of Joseph Scriven, also by accidental drowning, the citizens ofPort Hope, Ontario, erected a monument on the Port Hope-Peterborough Highway,which runs from Lake Ontario, with the text and these words inscribed: Fourmiles north, in Pengally’s Cemetery, lies the philanthropist and author of thisgreat masterpiece, written at Port Hope, 1857. The composer of the music,Charles C. Converse, was a well-educated versatile and successful Christian,whose talents ranged from law to professional music. Under the pen name of KarlReden, he wrote numerous scholarly articles on many subjects. Though he was anexcellent musician and composer with many of his works performed by the leadingAmerican orchestras and choirs of his day, his life is best remembered for thissimple music so well suited to Scriven’s text.Ira D. Sankey discovered the hymn in 1875, just in time to include it in hiswell-known collection, Sankey’s Gospel Hymns Number One. Later Sankey wrote,”The last hymn which went into the book became one of the first in favor.”Quoted from “101 Hymn Stories” by Kenneth Osbeck. Kregel Publishers, P.O. Box2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, 1982. Used by permission – duplication without permission is a violation of U.S.copyright law. Christianlyrics online will lead you to thousands of lyrics to hymns, choruses, worshipsongs and gospel recordings. Free Christian hymn lyrics include popular hymns,both new and old, traditional and modern, as well as rare and hard-to-findhymns. We have been online since 2004 and have reached over 1 million people inover 150 countries worldwide. In 2007, this site became the largest Christianlyrics site on the entire internet.� 2011Hymnlyrics.orgCarden’s Design. All Rights Reserved. Thiswebsite is privately owned and operated.Webmaster:Kevin Carden

Aretha Franklin – What a Friend We Have in Jesus Lyrics

What a buddy we have in Jesus, who bears all of our sins and sorrows! What an honor it is to bring everything before God in prayer! Oh, what serenity we have lost, what unnecessary suffering we have endured, all because we have failed to bring all to God in prayer. Have you experienced challenges and temptations? Is there any difficulty somewhere? We should never give up, and we should always take our problems to the Lord in prayer. Can we discover a buddy who is so dependable that he will bear all of our sorrows?

Are we frail and weighed down by a tremendous burden of responsibility?

Take it to the Lord in prayer, O precious Savior, who is still our shelter. Do thy friends detest and abandon thee? Pray about it and bring it to the Lord! He will take thee into his arms and shieldthee, and there thou wilt find peace.

The easy, fastfun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Aretha Franklin composed the song. SPRINGTIME MUSIC INC. has released a song with lyrics. Licensed Music and Lyrics LyricFind has made this possible.

Citation

  • 1
  • s1
  • s2
  • s3
  • s5
  • s6 What a wonderful ally we have in Jesus
  • 7
  • s8
  • s9
  • s11
  • s12
  • s13
  • s14

Quiz

  • A love song
  • B a funeral song
  • C a breakup song
  • D a country tune
See also:  Where Was Jesus Crucified On A Map

A love song; B a mourning song; C a breakup song; D a country tune

On Radio Right Now

OnRad.io is the technology behind this website. Do you consider yourself a music expert? Here’s where you can put your MusicIQ to the test!

Movies in which is played

“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

  • The soldiers’ song “When this awful war is ended” from the First World War has been parodied several times. It has also been used to express dissatisfaction with how theBoris Johnson administration handled the Coronavirus epidemic in more recent years. What a relieved I will be when thiscovid lockdown is ended. Re-assign theBozo to Eton Conservative clowns will no longer be tolerated by this conservative. The clapping with the cretins is no longer an option. There will be no Matt Handcock to cause trouble. I’d kiss everyone who came near me. Starscream, Sir Keir, Starscream, Sir Keir, Sir Keir Assuming he was successful in having those Conservatives depart. Originally composed for Alan Price’s song “Changes” in the 1973 filmO Lucky Man!, the theme was then utilized in a Volkswagen commercial starring Paula Hamilton, which was broadcast on television in the 1980s. The song peaked at number 54 on the UK charts in 1989 and at number 29 on the German charts the same year. Hughes Laurie recorded a cover version of the song for his album Didn’t It Rain, which was released in 2013. Taisho Otome Fairy Tale, which premieres in 2021, will also feature the song.

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.

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

In Jesus, we have an incredible friend. Silver wings is a compilation of brand-new Sunday school music that was composed specifically for this collection. Oliver Ditson Company, Boston, 1870. Retrieved2020-07-05; Timeless Truths has a piano score (in pdf format).

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

What is the structure of a personal poem? It has become one of the most well-loved and best-known hymns in the world, and it was composed by a dejected and crestfallen son to a sick mother. In 1855, Irish poet and preacher Joseph Scriven (10 September 1819 – 10 August 1886) wrote a timeless Christian song, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” The hymn is still in use today. It was first written as a poem by the author to console his mother, who was in critical condition in Ireland at the time of the writing while he was away in Canada.

What if I told you that some of the most well-known songs were composed during periods of deep sadness?

We can never predict when tragedy may strike in our life.

During these times of adversity, we may see God’s kindness and faithfulness at work in our lives, and we learn the most significant lessons about God’s love and promises.

You may listen to this well-known song and sing along with the wonderful words, and you can learn about the writer who wrote this beautiful hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, by reading the horribly terrible narrative of his life.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus Song

A personal poetry is written in a certain way. Pray Without Ceasing, which was penned by a dejected and crestfallen son to a sick mother, has become one of the most well-loved and best-known hymns in the world. What a Friend We Have in Jesus? is another well-known song. In 1855, Irish poet and preacher Joseph Scriven (10 September 1819 – 10 August 1886) composed a timeless Christian song, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” The hymn is still in use today. It was first written as a poem by the author to console his mother, who was in critical condition in Ireland at the time of the writing while he was in Canada at the time of the writing.

See also:  When I Think Of The Goodness Of Jesus

The poem was originally titled “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” What if I told you that some of the most well-known songs were composed during periods of severe sorrow?

When catastrophe hits, we have no way of knowing when it will occur.

Even in the midst of our difficulties, we may see God’s kindness and faithfulness at work in our lives, and we are taught the most significant lessons about God’s love and promise.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus Lyrics

What does a personal poetry look like? It has become one of the most well-loved and best-known songs in the world, yet it was penned by a dejected and crestfallen son to an ill mother. What a Friend We Have in Jesus? In 1855, Irish poet and preacher Joseph Scriven (10 September 1819 – 10 August 1886) composed a timeless Christian song, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” It was first written as a poem by the author to console his mother, who was in critical condition in Ireland at the time of the writing while he was in Canada.

Did you know that some of the most well-known songs were composed during periods of severe sorrow?

When catastrophe hits, we have no way of knowing when it will happen.

During these times of adversity, we may witness God’s kindness and faithfulness at work in our lives, and we learn the most significant lessons about God’s love and promises.

Listen to this well-known tune, sing along with the flawless words, and hear about the tragically terrible life of the writer who penned this lovely hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

The Unknown Story Behind What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph Scriven is a fictional character created by author Joseph Scriven.

Early Life

J. M. Scriven was born in 1819 in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland, to a well-to-do family. He went on to become a successful businessman. Scriven’s father served as a captain in the British Royal Marines, and he had high hopes for a successful future in his own country, where he would have a loving family. A bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Dublin was awarded to him in 1842 after he had enrolled there. His dream was to become an army officer, so he enrolled in the Addiscombe Military College, which is located near London, England, and prepares students for military duty in India.

Scriven, on the other hand, went on to become a teacher and decided to return to his birthplace.

Tragedy in Ireland

He had fallen in love with a lovely woman and had been engaged to be married to her for some time. Tragically, tragedy occurred the evening before the wedding. The horse that he was riding slipped from his fiancee’s grasp as they crossed the Bann River bridge. She was tragically drowned in the sea and died as a result of the event. Scriven was on his way to see her the day before the wedding was set to take place. In any case, he stumbled upon this horrifying image when he noticed that the woman who had stolen his heart was harrowingly laying under the water in a stream bed.

As a result of his fiancee’s death, he became overwhelmed with grief and began to adhere to the practices and teachings of the Plymouth Brethren, a non-conformist and evangelical Christian movement that believed in the priesthood of all male believers and the sufficiency of mercy for the purposes of forgiveness and redemption.

Relocating to Canada

Scrivener on the Prowl for a New Life In 1845, he left his home nation of Ireland to begin a new life in Canada, where he eventually settled in Woodstock, Ontario. He proceeded to roam and eventually settled in Port Hope, Canada, where he earned a livelihood by tutoring schoolchildren. Scriven established a private school in Brantford in 1850 and also preached throughout the surrounding region. Scriven fell in love with Eliza Catherine Roche, a relative of one of his students, after meeting her at a party.

Tragic events occurred once more.

Scriven was startled, unhappy, and devastated as his goals and ambitions were crushed in an instant.

Scriven’s tribulations prepared the road for him to dedicate his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Life of Service and Compassion

During these difficult times in his life, he relied on his trust in the Almighty and embarked on a journey to assist the impoverished and crippled. He dedicated a significant amount of time to Bible study and prayer, and he also made a vow of poverty. In exchange for selling all of his assets, he dedicated the next ten years of his life to assisting others in need. He joined the local Plymouth Brethren and helped others less fortunate than himself by chopping wood for their stoves, which provided him with peace and a sense of accomplishment.

His name was The Good Samaritan of Port Hope, and he was known for spreading Jesus’ love and compassion to those in need, such as the elderly, poor widows, sick people, and those who were mentally challenged.

The Poem “Pray Without Ceasing”

The Original Manuscript of Scriven Ten years after the death of his second fiancee, tragedy struck once more for him. Scriven learned that his mother, who was still in Ireland, had fallen ill and was in critical condition. Because he did not have the financial means to return home and be with her, he sent her a letter of consolation in which he included the lyrics of the poemPray Without Ceasingto remind her that she had a trustworthy friend in Jesus, no matter what happened to him. The poem, published in 1855, recounted how the author had developed an intimate acquaintance with Jesus through the trials of his life and how he treasured that relationship.

  • Pray Without Ceasing, on the other hand, was not included since it was a personal poetry.
  • He came across the poetry penned on a piece of paper that was laying near his bed and questioned as to the identity of the poet who had written such wonderful lines.
  • It was a personal poetry that was not meant to be read by anyone else, save for the author.
  • Scriven’s buddies were able to get their hands on a copy of the poem, and one of them was able to sell it to a publisher.
  • He sent one copy to his unwell mother and handed the other to the wife of a friend who was in need of a good book.
  • Whatever the true situation behind the poem, it was published anonymously under the title, Pray Without Ceasing, in the year 2000.
  • Charles Crozat Converse (1832-1918), an attorney, set one of the poems to music, making it into a catchy song in 1868.

Death and Memorial

Scriven’s last years were marred by ill health, limited financial resources, and clinical depression. In August 1886, he had a terrible illness. During his hallucinatory outing, he lost his footing and fell into a little brook, where he perished. A graveside eulogy was held in Bewdley for him and Eliza, his second fiancée. Joseph Scriven is commemorated by a monument at Port Hope. It was in honor of this modest man that the inhabitants of Port Hope, Ontario, created a monument in his memory. He had lived a terrible, sad, mourning, and inconspicuous life.

Worldwide Recognition

Thousands of believers have been encouraged, inspired, and blessed for more than 160 years as a result of a modest poem penned to bring peace to a distraught mother. It is truly incredible. The famed American preacher Dwight L. Moody, who heard the song What a Friend We Have in Jesus for the first time in 1875, used the hymn in his writings and sermons for the next few decades. When Ira D. Sankey, the head of Moody’s singing group, performed the song in his crusades, it became a national sensation.

The lyrics of this hymn, which were inspired by sad events in the writer’s life, serve as an anthem for those who are experiencing difficulty, uncertainty, sacrifice, and insecurity in their lives.

The Hymn Discussion — What a Friend We Have in Jesus

It is illustrated in Stanza 1 of the hymn that Jesus is the only genuine friend who takes on our load and forgives us of our misdeeds. It is a personal expression of the author’s connection with Jesus. Jesus has not abandoned us, and He is patiently listening to our requests. Our Savior intervenes on our behalf, meets us in our sorrow, and lavishes us with blessings far in excess of what we deserve or anticipate. As a result of failing to pray, we experience a loss of serenity, as well as anguish and suffering, as we fail to hand up our innermost concerns, regrets, and anxieties to the redeemer, who holds our destiny in His eternal hands.

  • We are all subjected to trials and temptations, and we all encounter difficulties in our life.
  • Jesus is the only one who understands our deepest secrets and shortcomings, and He is the only one who can provide us with consolation and comfort on this planet.
  • Afraid that we are weak and burdened with a great load of responsibility?
  • Take it to the Lord in prayer, is the answer to all of these issues.
  • We learn that despite his immense adversity, Scriven came to the realization that Jesus is the only one who can have a good influence on his life even in the most difficult of situations.
  • That We Have in Jesus reminds us that approaching our Heavenly Father every day and casting our problems, anxieties, and fears on Him is indeed a privilege and not something to be taken for granted.
  • What a Friend We Have in Jesus inspires us to pray and put our trust in Jesus no matter what is going on in our lives.
  • Check out our Hymns Collection for even more amazing Christian music.
  • Sing along with the words, making sure you comprehend the meaning of each song, and allow pleasure to flood your heart.

What a Friend we have in Jesus

Joseph Scriven wrote the lyrics. Charles C Converse composed the music. This Christian hymn was written by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855 as a poem to console his mother, who was living in Ireland at the time while he was in Canada. It is sung by millions of people throughout the world. 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 written by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868, and it is still in use today. Jesus Christ is our biggest supporter when we are in need of help.

  1. This hymn is a classic, and it’s a really nice one.
  2. What an honor it is to bring everything before God in prayer!
  3. Have we faced difficulties and temptations?
  4. We should never give up and should always take our problems to the Lord in prayer.
  5. We should confess our faults to the Lord in prayer; he knows everything about us.
  6. Take it to the Lord in prayer, O precious Savior, who is still our shelter.
  7. Pray about it and bring it to the Lord!
  8. Podcast: This post may be played in a new window or printed.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 9:09 pm and is filed underhymns. This article will be updated when new answers are posted to this entry’sRSS 2.0feed. You have the option of leaving a response or creating a trackback from your own site.

What a friend we have in Jesus — Hymnology Archive

I. Original Manuscripts Joseph Scriven (1819–1886) is credited with writing this song of prayer. At least four manuscript copies of the hymn, according to legend, were dispersed among those in Scriven’s circle of influence at one time. These clues assist in determining the historical context of the hymn’s composition. According to biographer Foster M. Russell, Scriven obtained the inspiration for the song while on a journey to Damascus in 1846 and had sent a copy of it back to Dublin. Unfortunately, Russell did not present any evidence to support his claim, and he was mistaken regarding the invention of the music by Charles Converse, which he did not mention (more on this below).

  1. Despite the fact that Russell’s assertion is speculative, it cannot be disregarded outright.
  2. Caswell inCanadian Singers and Their Songs (1919 |
  3. 1), which is a collection of songs by Canadian singers.
  4. A.M.
  5. It is believed that the author gave this little paper-bound book, which contains 10 pages of poems written by his own hand, to Mrs.
  6. Scriven was then a resident of that city, where he ran a private school for children for a period of time, and Mrs.
  7. It should be noted that the hymn as reprinted here not only changes in some of the lines from the version now in use, but it also lacks eight lines from the later version as well.
See also:  How Many Days Did Jesus Remain On Earth After His Resurrection

It is highly deserving of a spot in this collection because it is, without a doubt, the most widely-known work of Canadian literature.

1: A diagram of the human body.

Caswell, Canadian Singers and Their Songs) (Toronto: McCellandStewart, 1919).

The last quatrain has a few of noteworthy lines, including “Are we frigid and unbelieving?” and “Here the Lord is still our refuge,” among others.

Scriven began his teaching career in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, in the early 1850s, before relocating to Clinton, Ontario, the following year.

His father, John Scriven, had passed away on December 21, 1850, according to tradition.

While there, he met and proposed to Pengelly’s niece, Eliza Catherine Roach, who tragically died of an illness before the couple could be united in marriage.

During the later years of his life, Scriven resided at the house of James Sackville, which was located near Rice Lake and Port Hope, Ontario.

He mailed one copy to his own mother and sent another copy to my mother around the year 1855; and until very recently, even his closest friends were unaware that he was the creator of it.

One manuscript was remained in the ownership of the Sackville family as late as 1903, according to historical records.

Unknown is the exact whereabouts of the Sackville text at this time.

The very first printing The hymn was supposedly originally printed in Dublin, based on the copy Scriven provided to his mother, according to some accounts.

The hymn is frequently mistakenly attributed to J.B.

The hymn’s earliest documented published appearance was in H.L.

Hastings, 1865 |

2), where it was unattributed and presented in three stanzas of eight lines each, with no accompanying musical accompaniment.

(Boston: H.L.

2.

In 1870, the hymn was originally published in Silver Wings (Boston: Oliver DitsonCo., 1870 |

3), which was composed by Charles Converse (1834–1918), who wrote the most well-known music for it.

In this publishing, the composer was identified as “Karl Reden,” a nickname Converse employed to refer to himself in German (the word “Reden” literally translates as “to talk”).

The Silver Wings (Figure 3) (Boston: Oliver DitsonCo., 1870).

Russell, believes Converse learnt about Scriven’s hymn while conversing with a salesperson who happened to be visiting the Burdette Organ Company in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Converse was employed.

Even if this fantastic story were true (and the sounds came out of the air, as though Beethoven were deaf, and Scriven’s words had touched him to the core of musicology), Converse’s tune would be compelling if it were true—except that Converse was living in New York in 1870 when his tune was first published, he credited his source for the text in that collection, and he did not move to Erie until 1875.

  • The third and final stanza H.L.
  • During the same year that Scriven passed away, he was also the first to publish a fourth stanza in Songs of Pilgrimage (Boston: H.L.
  • Fig.
  • Hastings attributed the hymn to “Joseph Scriven, circa 1855,” which would seem to indicate that the additional stanza was written as early as 1855 rather than being a newly composed piece.
  • Unfortunately, due to the unavailability and/or loss of Scriven’s original manuscripts, it is not feasible to establish his authorship.
  • Music for the Pilgrimage (Figure 4) (Boston: H.L.
  • 4.

Fig.

Bliss and published by BiglowMain in Chicago in 1875.

Following the publication of their songbook, Bonar claimed that he had not written the hymn, and his name was thus removed from subsequent editions.

5 by John Rutter (1887).

The hymn initially appeared in the Later Songs and Solos collection of this songbook series, which is published in the United Kingdom.

296–297, Sankey presented an unusual description of his encounter with the hymn: “It was a wonderful experience.” Prior to his death, it was not recognized that he possessed an exceptional poetic aptitude.

Scriven about it, he stated that he had penned it for his mother, in order to console her during a period of tremendous sadness, and that he had not intended for anybody else to see it.

Bliss shortly after returning from England in 1875, and we quickly became involved in the printing of what would eventually become known as Gospel Hymns No.

I happened to pick up a tiny paper-covered brochure of Sunday-school songs that had been published in Richmond, Virginia, just after we had delivered the full compilation to our publishers.

Taking into consideration that the music was composed by my buddy C.C.

As a result, the final hymn to be included in the collection became one of the first to gain popularity.

Horatius Bonar, despite the fact that he was not the author.

Dr.

It was not until six or eight years after the hymn first appeared in our collection that we were able to discover who the true author was.

Thompson Baird, 1872), which was co-edited by Converse (Karl Reden), and in which “What a friend we have in Jesus” appeared at no.

Converse.

Thompson Baird, 1872), which was co-edited by Alternate Tune (Part III) Some hymnals, particularly in England and Ireland, make use of the tune MANOR HOUSE, which was produced by Frederick G.

6); the tune was made specifically for that compilation.

6.

The hymn’s wording is regarded to be a mirror of some of Scriven’s life events, according to some scholars.

The terrible death of his fiancée, Eliza Catherine Roach, occurred while he was still living in Ireland.

Despite the fact that Scriven’s song does not directly mention any specific Scripture chapter, it contains numerous scriptural concepts.

1) is “Pray without ceasing,” which is a passage from 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in the Bible.

4) quotes this verse (KJV).

Watson cited Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy weight upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee: he will never permit the righteous to be disturbed,” and 1 Peter 3:12, “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their petitions” (KJV).

it’s a piece that may be classified as doggerel.

Our objection is rendered insignificant by the enormous service that the hymn has provided.

The editors of the Companion to Church Hymnal(2000) identified the following advantages and disadvantages: In some quarters, the song has been attacked for being extremely self-centered and for stating nothing about Jesus other than the fact that he is a devoted and empathetic friend of mine.

One possible explanation is the emphasis placed on the importance of prayer in times of adversity; the injunction “take it to the Lord in prayer” appears no fewer than four times.

Young wrote the following about the tune CONVERSE: “Converse’s masterpiece of simplicity is composed for ease of learning in bar-formaabaand is further strengthened by the quasi-antiphon ‘Take it to the Lord in prayer.'” by CHRIS FENNER for the Hymnology Archive, published on July 25, 2019 and revised on March 11, 2021

Footnotes:

  1. “The authorship of a popular hymn,”The Pacific, San Francisco, CA (29 October 1903), p. 18
  2. Foster Meharry Russell, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,”What a Friend We Have in Jesus(Belleville, ON: Mika Publishing Company, 1981), pp. 37–38
  3. Edward S. Caswell, “Canadian Singers and Their Songs(1919), pp. 9–10
  4. Charles NutterWilbur Tillett, “

Related Resources:

“The authorship of a well-known song,” says the author. Pacific, San Francisco, California (29 October 1903), p. 18: Google Books My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns(1906), pp. 295–297:Archive.org. Ira Sankey, “What a friend we have in Jesus,” My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns(1906), pp. 295–297:Archive.org. Charles Nutter is a politician in the United Kingdom. What a friend we have in Jesus, Wilbur Tillett, The Hymns and Hymn Writers of the Church (New York: EatonMain, 1911), pp.

Caswell’s Canadian Singers and Their Songs (Toronto: McCellandStewart, 1919).

“What a friend we have in Jesus,” The 1940 Hymnal Companion, 3rd rev.

(New York: Church Hymnal Corp., 1962), p.

“What a friend we have in Jesus,” The 1940 Hymnal Companion, 3rd rev.

Foster What a Friend We Have in Jesus, says Meharry Russell (Belleville ON: Mika Publishing Company, 1981).

“What a friend we have in Jesus,” Companion to Hymns and Psalms (Peterborough: Methodist Publishing House, 1988), pp.

Kenneth Trickett, “What a friend we have in Jesus,” Companion to Hymns and Psalms (Peterborough: Methodist Publishing House, 1988), pp.

Scotty A friend in Jesus is what we have in Wayne Gray’s “What a friend we have in Jesus,” in Handbook to the Baptist Hymnal (Nashville: Convention Press, 1992), pages 269–270.

687–688.

Young, “What a friend we have in Jesus,” Companion to the United Methodist Hymnal (Nashville: Abingdon, 1993), pp.

Edward Darling is a fictional character created by author Edward Darling.

812–814.

470–472.

Daw, Jr., “What a friend we have in Jesus,” Glorify God: A Companion (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2016), pp.

“What a wonderful companion we have in Jesus,” says the author.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.