WHAT A FRIEND!

Joseph Scriven discovered early in life how much he needed the Lord. Born in Ireland, he was looking forward to marrying a lovely lass when tragedy struck. On the eve of their wedding, she accidentally drowned. In great sorrow he emigrated to Canada at the age of twenty-five and met another lovely woman he wished to marry, only to lose her after a brief and fatal illness.

Impoverished and with his own health turning frail, Joseph became involved in helping the physically handicapped. He spent the rest of his life helping poor, sick and underprivileged Canadians, often sharing his food and even his clothing with those in need.

But his good deeds and the story of his life might never have been known had not Joseph Scriven written a poem to comfort his mother back home during her serious illness. It had been ten years since he left her, and though he ached to be at her side, he was unable to visit her. So he wrote her a poem and mailed it off, hoping it would bring her what little comfort he had to give.

Scriven's poem lay dormant for decades until sometime later it appeared in a publication which was eventually seen by American lawyer - composer Charles Converse. He set the words to a simple but inspiring tune and gave Christians a hymn that lives in the hearts of believers all around the world.

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 despite, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

Thank You, O Lord, for such beauty and faith amid human trial!