I recently wrote and recorded a new tune for the classic hymn text “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
What a Friend is a simple acoustic setting of the text, featuring a gently syncopated melody over an acoustic-guitar-forward accompaniment.
This song began as a personal meditation on a hymn text I’ve long loved, not necessarily as a tune for corporate worship. But if you play a personal meditation around the house long enough, someone (in this case, my wife) might notice 😄.
At Jen’s request, I created resources and a demo recording so she could introduce it at a women’s prayer retreat at Faith Church. It was well received, so I’m sharing those resources now.
Resources
The resources below are free to use in local church worship.
- Full lead sheet (D)
- Full lead sheet (E)
- Simple lead sheet (D)
- Simple lead sheet (E)
- Chord chart (D)
- Chord chart (E)
Lyrics
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,
encumbered 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.
