Irishman and poet Joseph M. Scriven (1820-1866) came to know Christ as a result of the tragic death of his fiancee on the eve of their wedding.  With a B.A. from Trinity College of Dublin,  Scriven then emigrated to Canada, where he became a private tutor and, while boldly sharing the good news of salvation,  was involved in caring for the sick and needy members of his church. The poem that later became the hymn we know as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," was written to comfort his ailing mother when he could not return to Ireland to be at her side. Joseph Scriven had a life filled with hardship and pain, yet one that was marked by deep faith and contentment in his Savior and Friend.

What an awesome privilege we have as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus laid down His life for us, carries our burdens and has given us access to the Father. May He help us to always live as His friends, in light of what He has done, and to "carry everything to God in prayer."

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 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.

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.

-What a Friend We Have in Jesus -
   Words: Joseph M. Scriven, 1855
   Music: Charles Converse, 1868

The hymn, "Near to the Heart of God," was written in 1901 by a 23 year old grieving pastor. He sang it for the first time standing next to quarantine signs outside his brother's home where diphtheria had claimed the lives of his two nieces. Cleland B. McAfee later served on the faculty at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and directed the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, but is best remembered for writing this simple, yet profound message of hope and trust. Over a hundred years later, this great hymn still reminds us that no matter what we are facing in our lives today, we too can find this place of quiet rest, "Near to the Heart of God."


There is a place of quiet rest,
  Near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest,
  Near to the heart of God.

    O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
      Sent from the heart of God,
    Hold us, who wait before Thee,
        Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
  Near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Savior meet,
  Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,
  Near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace,
  Near to the heart of God.

- Cleland B. McAfee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfZH07mWKKc