The Christian Life

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 troubles 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

• The author of this hymn became engaged twice, and both times his fiancée died before they could be married. He wrote this hymn for his sick mother. How would you describe this hymnwriter?
• In this hymn, Scriven describes what Jesus will do for us when we are in trouble. Find all the different descriptions.
• What happens, according to the hymnwriter, when we fail to pray about our problems?
• In the world at large, people are very concerned about their rights. How does Scrivener characterize the opportunity to pray? What do you think?