Take Everything to God in Prayer

Life can get so busy and so challenging at times that we often find ourselves fighting the trials that come against us with our own strength. We forget that God has provided an answer for us in a way that will not only give us the victory, but that will be a blessing to everyone involved. When we get burdened down, our greatest handicap is that we forget to “take everything to God in prayer”.

This cherished gospel hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, was originally written as a poem in 1855 by Joseph Scriven, who was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1820. He became a graduate of the Trinity College in Dublin at the age of 25, and then immigrated to Canada where he lived his life until he died at Port Hope, Ontario in 1886. He wrote this song for his mother back in Dublin to comfort her during a time of sorrow in her life, and these great words of passion became an encouragement to her.

It was originally published as an anonymous poem after that, but then in the 1880’s it became the words to the music that Charles Crozat Converse composed in 1868. It quickly rose to be a popular hymn in churches all around, and is now sung by Christians all over the world.

Why is this song so popular? It’s not just because it’s an old song that mature Christians don’t want to see pass away. It’s because the words and the music are inspired by God Himself, and everyone who sings it finds the presence of God in it.

When we’re going through bad times in our lives, sometimes we don’t hear what people are saying to us and we fall deeper into our trials as we struggle alone and face depression and frustration. But God knows how these pressures can affect us and He knows that music is one way that He can get to us. That’s why He blessed this hymn so that it will touch our hearts when nothing else can. This beautiful song will release us from the world and draw us unto Him when we submit ourselves to Him through it.

And once we are free from the clutches of our problems and lost in the ambience of His presence, we will realize that God is waiting to help us. He will step in and make a way where there is no way when we remember to talk to Him and ask Him for help. He is able to give us the victory over the things that come against us if we will just remember to “take everything to God in prayer”. Praise God!

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, 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.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

Listen to the song at this link and be blessed. What a Friend we Have in Jesus

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” … Matthew 11:29-30