1. WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
1855
JOSEPH SCRIVEN
… the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7

2. Joseph Scriven was about 25 years old as watched in shock as the body of his fiancée was pulled from the lake. Their wedding had been planned for the next day. Reeling from the tragedy, he sailed for Canada, leaving his mother behind in Ireland.

3. Ten years later, in 1855, he received word that his mother was facing a crisis. Joseph wrote this poem and sent it to her. Mrs. Scriven evidently gave a copy to a friend who had it published anonymously, and it quickly became a popular hymn, though no one knew who had written it.

4. Once when his Port Hope neighbor asked him if it were true he composed the hymn, his reply was, “The Lord and I did it between us.”   

5. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and grief to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev'rything to God in prayer!

6. Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer!

7. Have we trials and temptations. Is there trouble anywhere
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer:

8. Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share
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.

9. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, still our refuge; Take it to the Lord in prayer:

10. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee
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.