What a Friend We Have in Jesus Large Print Lyrics: Free PDF
The words of What a Friend We Have in Jesus are here in large print, one sheet at 18, 24 or 28 point. Joseph Scriven wrote the words in 1855 and they were published in 1865. They were published before 1930, so they are public domain in the US and free to copy.
| Words by | Joseph M. Scriven, written 1855, published 1865 |
|---|---|
| Music | Charles C. Converse, 1868 |
| Type size | 18, 24 or 28 pt |
| Paper | US Letter, A4 or 11 x 17 in, white or cream |
What a Friend We Have in Jesus in large print: words and download
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
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 Saviour, 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.
Words: Joseph M. Scriven (written 1855, published 1865). Music: Charles C. Converse (1868). Public domain in the United States: words published 1865 (US, published 1929 or earlier).
The words above are set the way this site sets every song: left aligned, one column, plain type with no italics, and a blank line between stanzas. The sheet has 3 stanzas and 24 lines. What a Friend We Have in Jesus is one of the songs in our large print hymns collection, where you can print it with others in one PDF, and the whole set of texts is listed on the large print prayers and hymns page.
Who wrote What a Friend We Have in Jesus and when?
Wikipedia says Joseph Scriven wrote the poem in 1855 to comfort his mother, who was in Ireland while he was in Canada. He published it anonymously, and only received full credit in the 1880s. Charles Crozat Converse wrote the tune in 1868.
The hymn has been recorded by singers from many traditions, and it has been set to other tunes, such as the Welsh Calon Lan. Our sheet follows the 1920 Army and Navy Hymnal.
When is What a Friend We Have in Jesus sung?
It is a hymn for gatherings of every size, from Sunday services to prayer meetings, and it is often chosen when a group wants to sing something they already know. If you are planning a folder of songs for the same occasion, the sheets for Amazing Grace, Blessed Assurance and Nearer, My God, to Thee use the same layout, so they sit well together.
How do you print What a Friend We Have in Jesus for a service, a sing-along or a care-home visit?
In our layout tests on US Letter paper, What a Friend We Have in Jesus takes 2 pages at 18 point, 2 at 24 point and 3 at 28 point. On 11 x 17 paper at 24 point it takes 1 page. Eighteen point is the smallest size we offer, because the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) says print below 18 point is not large print, and our page on what large print is explains the reasons for 18, 24 and 28 point.
Count copies before you print. A service needs one for every seat and about five extra; a sing-along needs one for each person so nobody has to lean over a neighbor; a care-home visit needs one for every resident and one for each helper. Choose cream paper with a matte finish, since glossy stock glares under ceiling lights. It is a good first sheet for a new singing group, since so many people know the tune. Print it at 24 point, and keep a few 28 point copies for readers who need them.