Portals Into God's Presence: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

I have come to know that prayer is essential in the life of the believer. Prayer is a conversation with our Sovereign and Loving God. It is as much about listening as it is about speaking. It is a pathway to peace. It is a burden remover. It is an opportunity to be completely vulnerable in the presence of a Holy God who, because of the atoning death of Jesus Christ, looks beyond our faults and loves us beyond measure. Prayer is a safe place, a hiding place, with our True and Faithful Friend. And without prayer, life is empty and lifeless.

I can always tell when my prayer life is in shambles; When conversing with God becomes secondary to the care of the world my life is burdened down with worry, anxiety, fear, and sometimes anger. Since becoming a parent two years ago, I have a had a more consistent prayer life--mostly because I needed to hear from God like never before. Yet, there are still times when I neglect my relationship with God and the flourishing of my soul, to the detriment of all else. In these times, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" serves as a reminder that if I would but pray, that God would grant me peace, lift my burdens, give me guidance, dry my tears, and whatever else I stand in the need of. The video is an amazing arrangement from the College Choir at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. I pray that this hymn blesses you and, if your prayer life needs some revival, that it serves as a reminder that you can always go to your Faithful Friend Jesus 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 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.