WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS - The story behind....
In 1885, a young man wrote a poem and decided not to put his name to it, he titled it "Pray without ceasing".
He wrote the poem to comfort his mother who was critically ill and himself after suffering a personal tragedy of loosing two of his fiancees.
In 1868, this poem was turnd to a popular hymn, a hymn that has become global and plays a key role in being a hymn of solace to people around the world.
When people began to dig the history of the poem and hymn, they eventually got to the young man, his name "Joseph Scriven", when he was asked why he published the poem as anonymous, he responded that "The Lord and I did it between us".
Joseph Scriven was an Irishman born in 1819 who moved to Canada, lost his first fiancée to drowning on the eve of their wedding and his second fiancée who also died of pneumonia shortly before their wedding day, following these tragedies and learning of his mother's sickness, Scriven wrote the poem to remind her and himself that Jesus is a faithful friend who bears all our sins and griefs.
He lived a life of Service and was known as a "Good Samaritan" in Port Hope, Canada, he also lived a life of humble service, often helping people who could not pay him, embodying, trusting, serving the Lord.
The hymn highlights the comfort of taking all worries and trials to God in prayer.
Dear friends, brothers,sisters and followers - Please take out sometime and listen to this hymn today, go through the lyrics and get reassured of the friendship we have with and 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!
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 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.
You're reading from your handsome friend John Petra.