What a Friend We Have in Jesus (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 742)
1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
oh, what needless pain we bear —
all because we do not carry
ev’rything to God in prayer!
2 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 ev’ry weakness —
take it to the Lord in prayer.
3 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 your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Text: Joseph Scriven; Music: Charles C. Converse; Public Domain
Devotion
“What a friend we have in Jesus” is a simple song that captures the essence of this week’s readings. God who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, offers to set our imprisoned selves free and restore to peace and hope. We know the struggle with sin is real, yet continually try to rely on ourselves to try to do what is good, causing needless pain. Acknowledging that people are never satisfied, Jesus reminds us how easy it is to miss what God is offering when we’re busy trying to be self-sufficient, figuring life out on our own.
Jesus doesn’t scold us for being weary; he invites us to bring him our burdens. Surrendering means taking every worry, every regret, every “what if” straight to him in prayer. He listens and then steps in to help us carry the load, giving us peace. What a friend!
Prayer
Gentle Lord, thank you for being the true friend we need but don’t deserve. Strengthen our faith to reclaim the peace we often forfeit. Embolden us to act on the privilege you’ve bestowed, allowing us to bring all our sins and griefs to you in prayer. Amen.