American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 5
ARC Prayer Meeting
While on one of my missionary trips to Northern Ireland, my host took me to a memorial that honored Joseph M Scriven. The name may not be familiar, but he penned the famous hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” I love this simple, but beautiful hymn. He wrote it to comfort his ailing mother.
The lyrics were written to encourage his mother to take all her burdens, trials, and struggles to the Lord in prayer. It was sound counsel from a loving son who cared for his mother’s welfare.
What a friend we have in Jesus 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, 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.
The Apostle Paul did not write a poem or craft a hymn when it comes to laying out our petitions before God’s throne of Grace. He did, however, pen these words in Holy Writ, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7).
Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preacher, stated, “No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.” Does the church believe that to be true today? We should brethren. To come before God as a body of believers with humble, faith filled prayers to honor God, bear one another’s burdens, intercede for our city, state, nation, and world missions is a good use of our time and a true kindness as we pray for one another.
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