This is hymn 27 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Hymn 27: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
1 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!
2. 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!
3. 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.
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY
Beloved in Christ, this cherished hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” strikes at the heart of our daily Christian walk. It is a gentle, yet profoundly convicting reminder of the incredible privilege and practical power we hold but so often neglect: the privilege of prayer. It is a hymn that diagnoses our spiritual poverty—our needless burdens—and prescribes the simple, transformative remedy of taking everything to our faithful Friend.
Why Sing This Hymn
We sing this hymn to correct our prayerlessness and to rekindle our confidence in prayer. It moves the doctrine of Christ’s friendship from a comforting idea into the daily, active practice of casting all our cares upon Him. It is a call to trade our anxiety for His peace.
1. It is a Hymn of Bearing and Sharing (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a two-fold wonder: first, the wonder of Christ’s friendship, defined by His willingness to bear “all our sins and griefs.” He is a Friend who took our ultimate burden to the cross. Second, the wonder of our privilege: we get to “carry everything to God in prayer!” Prayer is not a duty, but an honor—a direct line to the throne of grace. The verse then turns piercingly introspective, lamenting the “peace we often forfeit” and the “needless pain we bear” simply because we choose to carry our burdens alone instead of to the One who has already borne the greatest weight for us. It calls us out of self-reliance into dependence.
2. It is a Hymn of Universal Remedy and Intimate Knowledge (Verse 2)
This verse presents prayer as the universal answer to every life circumstance. “Trials… temptations… trouble anywhere?” The answer is immediate: “take it to the Lord in prayer!” We are not to be discouraged because we have an ever-present, ever-faithful Advocate. The rhetorical question, “Can we find a friend so faithful?” expects a resounding “No!” His faithfulness is proven not only in His actions, but in His perfect empathy: “Jesus knows our every weakness” (Hebrews 4:15). He is not a distant observer; He is a acquainted with our struggle, making Him the perfect confidant.
3. It is a Hymn of Divine Refuge and Perfect Solace (Verse 3)
The hymn addresses our most vulnerable states: when we are “weak and heavy laden” with care, and when we feel the deep sting of human betrayal as friends “despise” or “forsake” us. In both scenarios, the refrain is the same, and the refuge is sure. Christ is our “precious Savior” and our “refuge.” The beautiful promise is one of active, tender care: “In his arms he’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.” Prayer is the door that leads us into the shelter of His personal, protective, and comforting presence.
A Word for Your Spirit Today
What burden are you carrying alone today? What anxiety is stealing your peace? What disappointment, weakness, or fear are you nursing in secret?
This hymn is a loving rebuke and a gracious invitation. It tells us that our pain is often “needless” because a solution has been provided. The Friend who bore the cross is ready to bear your daily cross with you.
Do not forfeit your peace a moment longer. Stop right now. Name that care, that trial, that heartache. Then, in simple faith, obey the command that rings through every line of this hymn: “Take it to the Lord in prayer.” He is waiting. He is faithful. He knows your weakness, and in His arms, you will find the solace that the world can never give.
Prayer is the practical proof that Jesus is your dearest Friend. Exercise that privilege today, and let His peace garrison your heart.
In the name of Jesus, our faithful Friend and intercessor, Amen.
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