What a Friend We Have in Jesus

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 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.

                       Joseph Scriven

 Questions for thought and prayer: 

• The hymn names a variety of problems a Christian can pray about. Which of the problems in the hymn bother your life right now?
•  Many Christians faced with a problem immediately begin to stew about how to solve it. The hymn-writer implies that a Christian’s first response to a problem ought to be prayer. Do you agree with that viewpoint? If yes, under what circumstances did you learn that truth? If no, why don’t you think you should pray before you begin working on the problem? 
• Do you have a human friend that you turn to with confidence that your friend won’t insult you or scorn you or belittle your problems? Think of a recent embarrassing problem in your life? Did you pray about it? Did you talk with your earthly friend? If you have solved the problem, how did you solve it? If you have not solved the problem, are you still praying about it?
• Have you ever felt you were betrayed by a friend or family member? How did you respond? Did you pray about it? Do you still feel hurt? Will you ever be able to forgive this person? Do you want to pray about it now?

© 2012 Katherine Harms