What a Friend

Philippians 4:6-7

      Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 What a Friend We Have in Jesus LBW 439

 1    What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
     What a privilege to carry ev’rything to God in prayer!
      Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear--
      all because we do not carry ev’rything to God in prayer!

2    Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
      We should never be discouraged--take it to the Lord in prayer.
      Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
      Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness--take it to the Lord in prayer.

3    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.

Text: Joseph Scriven, 1820-1886

            Frank Irwin recently asked me if every hymn writer had a tragedy as part of their personal life experience.  The answer is, pretty much yes!  Joseph Scriven, the author of this familiar and favorite hymn, had such a life.  He and his fiancé planned to leave Ireland and emigrate to Canada. But on the evening prior to their wedding, she drowned!  Heartbroken, Joseph wrote a letter to his mother in Ireland who was too sick to travel with him.  In it he poured out his grief; claiming that the only friend he now had was Jesus.  And he wrote a poem and attached it. That poem were the words to this familiar hymn.  Scriven never intended for the words to be published, but upon arriving in Port Hope, Ontario, his mother did submit them and they were attached to a familiar tune.

Prayer:  Lord of grace and mercy, be with us in good times and in bad.  When our grief runs deep, when we feel most alone, remind us of your nearness, and your presence, and your power to overcome everything, even death! Amen.