“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a beloved hymn that resonates deeply with Christians worldwide. The lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” offer a powerful message of comfort and solace, reminding believers to turn to prayer in times of trouble. This hymn, written by Joseph M. Scriven, is not just a song; it’s a testament to his life marked by profound personal losses and unwavering faith.
Joseph Scriven, born in 1819 in Seapatrick, County Down, Ireland, experienced a life filled with trials that shaped the heartfelt lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, Scriven initially aspired to a military career, but poor health derailed those plans. Tragedy struck again when his fiancée tragically drowned on the eve of their wedding in 1844. Seeking a fresh start, Scriven immigrated to Ontario, Canada, later that year. He dedicated himself to teaching and found love once more, only to face heartbreak again when his second bride-to-be passed away after a brief illness in 1855. These repeated experiences of loss and grief deeply influenced his understanding of faith and reliance on divine comfort, themes clearly reflected in the lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”.
Living a life dedicated to serving others, Scriven became known for his selfless acts and devotion to the underprivileged. As a member of the Plymouth Brethren, he earnestly practiced the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, sharing his possessions and assisting the poor and disabled. Despite his good deeds, Scriven faced misunderstanding and mistrust from some neighbors who viewed his lifestyle and eccentricities with suspicion. Throughout these personal and social challenges, his faith and the practice of prayer, as emphasized in the lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” remained his constant source of strength.
The lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” were born out of personal empathy and a desire to comfort his ailing mother back in Dublin. It is believed that Scriven penned these comforting words shortly after the death of his second fiancée, channeling his own grief into a message of hope and reliance on prayer. When a neighbor inquired about the hymn’s origin, Scriven humbly attributed it to a collaborative effort, saying, “The Lord and I did it between us.” This statement encapsulates the deep personal faith and the sense of divine partnership that underpins the lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
Initially published anonymously in Horace Hastings’s Social Hymns, Original and Selected (1865), the lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” gradually gained recognition. Scriven eventually received due credit in Hastings’s Songs of Pilgrimage (1886). The hymn’s popularity soared when Ira D. Sankey, a renowned gospel singer and composer, included the text in his widely circulated hymnals starting in 1875. Sankey paired Scriven’s poignant lyrics with a fittingly comforting tune composed by Charles C. Converse, further enhancing the hymn’s emotional and spiritual impact. This combination cemented “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” as a staple in Christian worship and personal devotion.
The enduring appeal of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” lyrics lies in their simple yet profound encouragement to seek solace and strength through prayer. While not considered high poetry, the hymn’s spiritual depth and the recurring phrase, “take it to the Lord in prayer,” resonate deeply with countless individuals. In a world filled with “sins and griefs,” the lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” offer a timeless message of hope, inviting all to experience the peace and comfort found in unwavering faith and consistent prayer. Scriven’s legacy lives on through these powerful lyrics, reminding generations of the constant companionship and unwavering support available through Jesus.
