What a Friend We Have in Jesus

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 1855

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – History & Background

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is one of the most beloved Christian hymns in the English-speaking world. It emphasizes comfort, prayer, and the personal friendship believers can have with Jesus.

✍️ Author

The hymn was written by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855.

  • Scriven was born in Dublin, Ireland.

  • He later moved to Port Hope, Canada.

💔 Why It Was Written

Scriven wrote the poem to comfort his mother in Ireland while he was living in Canada. He had experienced deep personal tragedy:

  • His fiancée died accidentally the night before their wedding.

  • His second fiancée later died of illness.

  • He lived a life marked by poverty and service to others.

The poem was originally meant as a private letter of encouragement to his mother, not for publication.

🎵 Musical Composition

The poem was later set to music by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868. Converse composed the tune known as “Converse”, which is the melody commonly used today.

📖 Publication & Popularity

  • The hymn was first published in the 1860s.

  • It quickly became popular in revival meetings and Protestant churches.

  • It has since been translated into many languages and included in hymnals worldwide.

💡 Message & Theme

The hymn’s central message is:

  • The power of prayer

  • Comfort in times of trouble

  • Jesus as a compassionate and understanding friend

Famous opening lines:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.

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