What a Friend we have in Jesus

This hymn is a statement of faith in Jesus, and the power of prayer. 

The words are based on a poem which was written by Irishman Joseph Scriven (1819-1886), when he was in Canada, for his mother at home in Ireland.   It has been translated into many languages, and is used in a variety of ways in different countries/cultures.
 
With a meter of 87.87 D, tunes it has been set to include
  • ERIE by Charles C. Converse (1868) - the original and most commonly used tune, which has had derived versions set to it also
  • BEECHER by John Zundel (1870)
  • BLAENWERN by William Rowlands (1905)
  • FRIEND by George C. Stebbins, (1878)


Downloads

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Examples

Band - professional recording:


Massed choir with orchestra, TV recording:


Singer with piano:


Lyrics

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O, what peace we often forfeit!
O, what needless pain we bear!
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.

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 Saviour! Still our refuge!
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy 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.

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