Without a doubt, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, is one of the world’s most famous hymns. Written originally in 1855 by Joseph Scriven (1819 – 1886), as a poem titled, Pray Without Ceasing, the story behind its composition is not well-known; but shows how God can turn tragedy into a worldwide blessing for millions.
Scriven was born into a well-to-do family in Ireland and desired to join the army and follow in his father’s footsteps who was a captain in the British Royal Marines. However, his poor health precluded his dream and he settled on becoming a teacher.
He fell in love with a beautiful woman and tragically on the night before their wedding his fiancée fell from a horse she was riding and drowned in the River Bann. Crushed by her untimely death Scriven decided to move to Canada in 1845 and start a new life.
Several years later Scriven fell in love again but for a second time his fiancée became very sick with pneumonia and died a few weeks before the wedding. Scriven was devastated and depressed but rather than blame God for these misfortunes chose to draw even closer to God. He never married after this and decided to dedicate his life to preaching the Gospel and helping the poor and downtrodden. Over the next ten years Scriven completely dedicated his life to serving others and the Lord blessed him with joy in his endeavors.
If these two tragic deaths were not enough, Scriven learned ten years after the death of his second fiancée that his mother back in Ireland had become seriously sick. Not having money to travel back to Ireland Scriven wrote a touching letter to his mom. Included in the letter were the words of the poem, Pray Without Ceasing. He wanted his mother to know that Jesus would always be her friend for the rest of eternity.
Well, the rest is history. This poem became published and in 1868 attorney Charles Converse wrote the music to the poem and renamed it – What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Over the last 150 years this classic hymn has brought great comfort to millions going through the difficult trials of life. Below are the words of this great hymn. Please take a few moments to carefully read the three stanzas. I believe they will provide you with peace when trials come your way. Rather than me commenting on these words I will let them speak to your heart.
Out of one man’s tragic life, comfort to millions has become possible through the following words:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, 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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.1
1 What a Friend We Have in Jesus Lyrics | 1 Painful Story Behind the Hymn (bibilium.com)