This document provides lyrics and analysis for the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". The three main points summarized are: 1) The hymn expresses that Jesus is our greatest friend who died for our sins and aids us in our grief and overcoming sin through prayer. 2) It encourages bringing all our pain, trials, and weaknesses to God in prayer, as Jesus knows our struggles and wants to help us. 3) The hymn portrays Jesus as our refuge and source of solace, who will shield and comfort us through prayer, even if friends and family forsake us.

2. Song: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” Written by: George Scriven and arranged by C.C. Converse Spiritual songs reach deep inside our hearts and teach us God’s Word. Col. 3:16 Songs are catchy and enable us in most cases to remember the words quite easily.

3. First Sentence “ What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear; What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer.” Jesus is our greatest friend! Died for us. Jn. 15:13-14 Now aids us in our grief 2 Cor. 1:3-4 Helps us to overcome sin 1 Cor. 10:13 Forgives us of sin when we repent and ask forgiveness. Acts 8:22

4. First Verse, Second Sentence “ O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Peace can be forfeited or enjoyed Phil. 4:6-7 Pain can come because we do not obey God. Remorse, guilt, consequences, lacks We ask and do not have because of selfish motives. James 4:1-3; 2 Cor. 7:10 It’s not selfish to want God’s will to be done. Matthew 6:10; 7:7-8; 1 Jn. 5:14

5. Second Verse Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer. Jesus taught us YES to the first question. Jn. 16:33 Persecutions also… Jn. 15:18; 2 Tim. 3:12 Never be discouraged. 1 Pet. 4:16; Mt. 5:10-12

6. Second Verse, Second Half 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. Yes, His name is Jesus. Hebrews 13:5 2 Thes. 3:3; 1 Pet. 5:6-7 He knows every weakness and cares and wants to help us. Mt. 26:41; Heb. 4:14-16; Acts 17:26-27

7. Third Verse Are we weak and heavy laden , Cumbered with a load of care ? Precious Savior still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer. We realize our weaknesses and that we need God. Rom. 3:23; Jn. 6:68; 8:32; 14:6 We must pray for one another James 5:13-16 Jesus is our refuge. Heb. 6:18-20; Ps. 46:1 Jesus is our mediator by which we may ask for help. 1 Tim. 2:3-6; Heb. 4:14-16

8. Third Verse, Second Half “ 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.” Losing for God’s sake. Mt.10:34-38; Lk.18:28-30 Jesus will be our shield and give comfort. Psalm 28:7; 2 Thes. 2:16-17 We must remember to take it to God in prayer. Matthew 5:44; 1 Thes. 5:17

9. Jesus can save you if you come to Him. Hear and believe the Gospel Jn. 6:45; Rom. 10:9 Repent of sinful living Acts 3:19 Confess Jesus Acts 8:37 Be Baptized Acts 2:38 Then, remember to be faithful Rev. 2:10 Become a friend of Jesus today! Jn. 15:14