The Story Behind the Hymns
THE STORY BEHIND "WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS"
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was born from personal sorrow, faith and a deep confidence in prayer.
The hymn was written by Joseph Medlicott Scriven, an Irish-born poet who emigrated to Canada in the 1840s. Scriven experienced profound personal loss, including the tragic death of his fiancée shortly before their planned marriage.
Years later, when Scriven learned that his mother in Ireland was seriously ill, he was unable to travel to be with her. Instead, he wrote a poem to comfort her and remind her of the friendship and strength found in Jesus. The poem, written around 1855, was titled “Pray Without Ceasing.”
Its opening words captured the heart of his message:
“What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!”
The words were later discovered and published, eventually becoming known as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
The familiar melody was composed by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868. His tune, now inseparably connected with Scriven’s words, helped transform the poem into one of Christianity’s most beloved hymns.
At its heart, the hymn is a reminder that believers do not have to carry their burdens alone. In moments of sorrow, weakness, anxiety and uncertainty, they can bring everything to Christ in prayer.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” has since travelled across generations, languages and continents, continuing to remind millions of people of the comfort, companionship and hope found in Christ.
The Story Behind the Hymns
THE STORY BEHIND "WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS"
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was born from personal sorrow, faith and a deep confidence in prayer.
The hymn was written by Joseph Medlicott Scriven, an Irish-born poet who emigrated to Canada in the 1840s. Scriven experienced profound personal loss, including the tragic death of his fiancée shortly before their planned marriage.
Years later, when Scriven learned that his mother in Ireland was seriously ill, he was unable to travel to be with her. Instead, he wrote a poem to comfort her and remind her of the friendship and strength found in Jesus. The poem, written around 1855, was titled “Pray Without Ceasing.”
Its opening words captured the heart of his message:
“What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!”
The words were later discovered and published, eventually becoming known as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
The familiar melody was composed by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868. His tune, now inseparably connected with Scriven’s words, helped transform the poem into one of Christianity’s most beloved hymns.
At its heart, the hymn is a reminder that believers do not have to carry their burdens alone. In moments of sorrow, weakness, anxiety and uncertainty, they can bring everything to Christ in prayer.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” has since travelled across generations, languages and continents, continuing to remind millions of people of the comfort, companionship and hope found in Christ.
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