What a friend we have in Jesus

What precious and timeless truth the author expounded in this beautiful hymn. Indeed, it is a revelation of how we can experience heaven on earth - through the garden of prayer.

In the garden of prayer, where I can pour out my heart before the One who loves me like no other. A heart to heart talk with my Saviour. For there's no burden too heavy He cannot bear and there's no sin too great He cannot pardon.

He's the Almighty Creator who created all creation yet He comes to me with His undivided attention when I whisper a prayer to Him.

My Jesus, how could I be so slow to hear You? When the noise of this world subsides within me, I hear You beckoning me to the garden of prayer amidst a harsh surrounding of thorns and briers. Little did I realize these thorns and briers carry your sweet voice of love wooing me to my Saviour's arms of love.

Delay no more, O my soul,
Into His garden we will go,
Many secrets will He unfold,
As we commune on paths laden with gold.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, 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.

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.