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Song: What a friend we have in Jesus
1. Song: What a friend we have in Jesus
Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, … [kjv]
… ηκουσαμεν … παυομεθα … προσευχομενοι … [gnt]
Joseph Scriven (1819-1886) wrote a poem of comfort to his mother entitled "
Pray without ceasing".
Charles Converse (1832-1918), an American educated in Germany, set Scriven's poem "
Pray without ceasing" to music and renamed it "
What a friend we have in Jesus". One verse talks of
trials and
temptations.
2. Words: Joseph Scriven (1855)
Joseph Scriven (1819-1886)
His fiancée accidentally drowned in 1843.
Irish poet, migrated to Canada in 1845
In 1855, received word that his mother was gravely ill.
He wrote a poem of comfort to his mother entitled "Pray without ceasing"
In 1860, Scriven was to be married again, but his fiancée fell ill and died of pneumonia.
3. Colossians 1:9
KJV: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Greek: δια τουτο και ημεις αφ ης ημερας ηκουσαμεν ου παυομεθα υπερ υμων προσευχομενοι και αιτουμενοι ινα πληρωθητε την επιγνωσιν του θεληματος αυτου εν παση σοφια και συνεσει πνευματικη
4. Music: Charles Converse (1868)
Charles Converse (1832-1918)
American, educated in Germany, returned to America.
Attorney and composer of hymns.
Published "The death of minnehaha" with words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Set the Scriven's poem "Pray without ceasing" to music and renamed it "What a friend we have in Jesus".
5. Joseph Scriven (1855)
In 1860, Scriven was to be married again, but his fiancée fell ill and died of pneumonia.
His tombstone has the words to his most famous song, "What a friend we have in Jesus".
6. 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!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
7. 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.
8. Verse 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 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.
9. Verse 0
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
10. End of page