What a Friend We Have in Jesus - Traditional

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 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.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus lyrics were written by Joseph Scriven to comfort his mother during a time of sorrow. The song highlights that we often carry unnecessary burdens because we do not take them to the Lord. It portrays Jesus as a friend who feels our every weakness and provides a refuge in times of trouble. By singing these lyrics the congregation is encouraged to find solace in a personal relationship with the Savior who is always ready to listen and to bear the load of a heavy heart. It is a simple and comforting anthem of prayerful trust and divine companionship.