Portals into God's Presence

I am blessed to have great friends. Great friends. Fiercely spiritual and smart friends. Amazingly beautiful friends. However, as we get older (and the responsibilities of life, families, babies, and doctoral programs set in) it is increasingly difficult to connect on a regular basis. We are still great friends, nonetheless. As blessed as I am to have great friends, I am more blessed to have a Friend who is always available. That friend is Jesus. I was reminded of this when I woke up singing our hymn of the week, "What A Friend We Have in Jesus." Meditate on the words as the Mississippi Mass Choir minister to your soul.

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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In his arms he'll take and shield thee;

thou wilt find a solace there.