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 weary 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 thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus Video
What A Friend We Have In Jesus Song Meaning
What A Friend We Have In Jesus: A Song of Faith and Comfort
Introduction:
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” is a powerful hymn that has been sung and cherished by Christians for many years. The song, written by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855, conveys a message of trust, comfort, and the power of prayer.
Verse 1:
“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!”
This opening verse immediately sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the profound relationship between believers and Jesus Christ. The lyrics highlight Jesus as a friend who willingly takes on our sins and burdens. It emphasizes the privilege we have to bring everything to God in prayer, reminding us of the peace and comfort we often miss out on by not seeking God’s presence in our lives. The verse encourages believers to rely on the power of prayer and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.
Verse 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 every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
In this verse, the song acknowledges the challenges and hardships that believers face in their lives. It encourages us to never be discouraged but to take our trials, temptations, and troubles to the Lord in prayer. The lyrics remind us that Jesus is a faithful friend who understands our weaknesses and is willing to share in our sorrows. This verse reinforces the idea that Jesus is always available to us, offering comfort, guidance, and strength in times of need.
Verse 3:
“Are we weary 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 thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.”
The third verse focuses on weariness, burdens, and the feeling of being forsaken. It reminds us that Jesus is our refuge, our safe haven, and encourages us to bring our weariness, burdens, and feelings of loneliness to Him in prayer. The lyrics assure us that Jesus will take us into His arms, providing protection and solace. This verse highlights the restorative and comforting nature of prayer, affirming that true peace and solace are found in the arms of Jesus.
Meaning of the Song:
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” conveys a profound message of trust, comfort, and the power of prayer. The song reminds believers of the intimate and personal relationship they have with Jesus Christ. It encourages them to bring all their needs, burdens, and sorrows to God in prayer, knowing that Jesus is a faithful friend who understands their weaknesses and is willing to bear their sins and griefs. The song instills a sense of hope, peace, and solace in the hearts of believers, reminding them of the power and significance of prayer in their lives.
Inspiration and Song Story:
The inspiration behind “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” comes from the personal experiences of the songwriter, Joseph M. Scriven. Scriven faced many hardships and trials throughout his life, including the untimely death of his fiancée and his own battle with illness. These experiences led Scriven to find solace and comfort in his faith and in the power of prayer. It is believed that Scriven wrote the song as a poem to comfort his ailing mother, and it gained popularity when it was set to music by Charles Crozat Converse.
Biblical Analysis:
The lyrics of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” align with many biblical principles and teachings. The song emphasizes the importance of prayer, echoing the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:7-8, where He encourages believers to ask, seek, and knock, knowing that God will respond. The song also reflects the biblical truth that Jesus is our friend and advocate, as stated in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The lyrics remind believers of the faithfulness and understanding of Jesus, as expressed in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.”
Critically analyzing the song’s biblical foundation, it aligns with the teachings of Scripture, emphasizing the importance of prayer, the faithful and understanding nature of Jesus, and the comfort and solace found in His presence. The song encourages believers to trust in God, bringing all their needs and burdens to Him in prayer.
Conclusion:
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” is a timeless hymn that continues to inspire and resonate with believers. Its message of trust, comfort, and the power of prayer is rooted in biblical truth. The song reminds believers of the intimate relationship they have with Jesus Christ, encouraging them to bring all their needs, burdens, and sorrows to Him in prayer. It serves as a source of hope, peace, and solace, assuring believers of the faithful and understanding nature of Jesus. May this hymn continue to uplift and encourage believers in their faith journey.
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