This article of What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics & Meaning shares the full lyrics, meaning, verse-by-verse explanation, and devotional reflections. What a Friend We Have in Jesus is a hymn that speaks directly to the heart of Christian experience. Few hymns express comfort, prayer, and personal relationship with Christ as clearly as this beloved classic. It is often sung in churches, funerals, prayer meetings, and quiet moments of reflection. This hymn reminds believers that Jesus is not distant. Instead, He is a faithful friend who invites us to bring every burden, fear, and need to Him in prayer. Because of this simple but powerful message, the hymn continues to comfort Christians across generations. This article of What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics & Meaning also presents a clear explanation to help worshippers understand why prayer and trust remain central to the Christian faith.
The Story Behind the Hymn(What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics & Meaning)
What a Friend We Have in Jesus was written by Joseph M. Scriven in the mid-19th century. Scriven wrote the hymn as a poem to comfort his mother during a time of personal hardship.
Rather than intending it as a public hymn, Scriven’s words reflected his own deep reliance on Christ during suffering, loss, and loneliness. Over time, the poem was set to music and became one of the most widely sung hymns in the Christian church.
The hymn was written to:
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Encourage believers to pray about everything
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Remind Christians of Christ’s compassion
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Offer comfort during trials and sorrow
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Emphasize trust in Jesus as a faithful friend
Because it flows from personal experience, the hymn speaks gently yet powerfully to the soul.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Full Lyrics
Verse 1
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!
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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 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.
Meaning of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”(What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics & Meaning)
This hymn teaches believers powerful truths about their relationship with Christ:
Friendship with Jesus – He is close, caring, and compassionate
The power of prayer – Every concern can be brought to God
Shared burdens – Jesus carries our griefs and sorrows
Encouragement in trials – No trouble is too small or too heavy
Comfort and refuge – Christ provides peace and rest
Rather than focusing on circumstances, the hymn directs believers to prayerful dependence on Jesus.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation of What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics & Meaning
Verse 1
The hymn opens by highlighting prayer as a privilege. It reminds believers that many worries and pains remain because they are not surrendered to God.
Verse 2
Trials and temptations are acknowledged. The verse reassures believers that Jesus understands every weakness and invites us to bring our struggles to Him.
Verse 3
The final verse offers comfort to the weary and rejected. Jesus is presented as a refuge who provides protection, care, and peace.
Short Devotional Thought in This Article of What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics & Meaning
This hymn gently calls believers back to prayer.
Bring every burden to God
Pray instead of worrying
Trust Jesus with hidden pain
Rest in His faithful friendship
It reminds us that we are never alone when we walk with Christ.
Bible Verses Related to the Hymn in This What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Lyrics & Meaning Article
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden.”
John 15:15 – “I have called you friends.”
1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your burden on the Lord.”
Conclusion
What a Friend We Have in Jesus reminds believers that prayer is not a burden but a gift. It encourages trust, dependence, and confidence in Christ’s compassion.
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