What a Friend We Have in Jesus
A hymn that develops the exhortation of St Paul, that we should ‘pray without ceasing’.
A hymn that develops the exhortation of St Paul, that we should ‘pray without ceasing’.
Joseph Scriven (1819-1886) was an Irishman, born in Dublin, who emigrated to Canada in 1847 and dedicated his life to education, preaching, and charitable work. His life was beset by disappointments and bereavements: twice he was engaged to be married, and twice his fiancée died. This poem was written for his mother when she fell dangerously ill in 1855, and headed ‘Pray without ceasing’.
Pray without Ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17
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 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.