“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” stands as one of the most beloved and comforting hymns in Christian tradition. Its simple yet profound lyrics offer solace and reassurance to millions around the world, reminding believers to seek solace in prayer and friendship with Jesus Christ. But behind this enduring hymn lies a poignant story of faith, loss, and unwavering devotion.
The words to this cherished hymn were penned by Joseph M. Scriven, an Irish immigrant to Canada in 1855. Scriven’s life was marked by a series of profound personal tragedies. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, he initially aimed for a military career but was forced to abandon this path due to poor health. A devastating blow struck when his fiancée tragically drowned on the eve of their wedding in 1844. Seeking a fresh start, Scriven moved to Ontario, Canada, where he worked as a teacher. However, fate dealt him another cruel hand when his second bride-to-be passed away after a brief illness in 1855.
These repeated heartbreaks deeply impacted Scriven, yet they also seemed to strengthen his faith and reliance on God. A devout member of the Plymouth Brethren, Scriven lived his faith practically, dedicating his life to serving the underprivileged and those in need. He embraced a literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, generously sharing his possessions and performing humble tasks for the poor and disabled, often to the misunderstanding of his community who viewed him as eccentric. Despite his altruistic nature, Scriven battled depression throughout his life, and the circumstances surrounding his death by drowning in Rice Lake in 1886 remain unclear, leaving open the question of accident or suicide.
It was amidst this backdrop of personal sorrow that Scriven wrote “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The hymn was composed to comfort his ailing mother back in Dublin, likely shortly after the death of his second fiancée. This context reveals the deeply personal nature of the hymn, born out of Scriven’s own need for comfort and his profound understanding of where to find it. When a neighbor inquired about the hymn’s creation, Scriven humbly remarked, “The Lord and I did it between us,” encapsulating his belief in divine collaboration in his work.
Initially published anonymously in Horace Hastings’s Social Hymns, Original and Selected (1865), the hymn gained wider recognition when Scriven was properly credited in Hastings’s Songs of Pilgrimage (1886). However, it was Ira D. Sankey, a prominent gospel singer and hymnal compiler, who truly popularized “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Sankey included the text in his widely circulated hymnals from 1875 onwards, pairing it with the now-familiar tune composed by Charles C. Converse. This combination cemented the hymn’s place in congregational singing and Christian worship across denominations.
While not considered high poetry in a literary sense, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” resonates deeply due to its simple yet powerful message. The repeated encouragement to “take it to the Lord in prayer” offers a straightforward pathway to finding peace and strength amidst life’s challenges. The hymn speaks directly to the human experience of “sins and griefs,” offering Jesus as a constant and compassionate friend. Its enduring popularity lies in its accessibility and its timeless message of faith, prayer, and the unwavering friendship offered by Jesus Christ. Scriven’s legacy extends beyond this single hymn; a collection of his poems was published in Hymns and Other Verses (1869), further showcasing his devotional spirit. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” continues to be sung in churches worldwide, serving as a comforting reminder of the power of prayer and the ever-present companionship of Jesus in navigating life’s journey.
