What A Friend We Have In Jesus – English Lyrics

• By: Alan Jackson
• Album: Precious Memories: Live at the Ryman Auditorium

Lyrics & Translation

Explore the comforting depths of faith and friendship with Alan Jackson's rendition of 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus.' This classic hymn, rooted in personal solace and divine connection, offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the power of prayer and the unwavering support found in spirituality. Discover how this song can enrich your understanding of faith and provide a sense of peace and reassurance.

[English]

♪ What a friend we have in Jesus, ♪

♪ all our sins and griefs to bear. ♪

♪ And what a privilege to carry ♪

♪ everything to God in prayer. ♪

♪ What a 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. ♪

[cheers and applause]

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
friend /frɛnd/ A2	noun - a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection
Jesus /ˈdʒiːzəs/ B1	noun - central figure of Christianity, believed by Christians to be the Son of God
sins /sɪnz/ B1	noun - acts that are considered wrong or immoral; moral faults
griefs /griːfs/ C1	noun - deep sorrow or distress caused by loss or misfortune
privilege /ˈprɪvələʒ/ B2	noun - a special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a person or group
peace /piːs/ A2	noun - a state of calm or quiet
pain /peɪn/ A2	noun - physical or emotional suffering or discomfort
trials /ˈtraɪəlz/ B2	noun - tests of endurance or faith, often in difficult circumstances
temptations /tɛmˈteɪʃənz/ C1	noun - desires to do something wrong or unwise
trouble /ˈtrʌbəl/ A2	noun - difficulty or problems
weakness /ˈwiːknəs/ B2	noun - a state of lacking strength or ability
share /ʃɛər/ A2	verb - to give a part of something to others

Key Grammar Structures

• What a friend we have in Jesus,

  ➔ Exclamatory sentence

  ➔ The phrase "What a friend" expresses strong emotion about the friendship with Jesus.

• all our sins and griefs to bear.

  ➔ Infinitive phrase

  ➔ The phrase "to bear" indicates purpose or intention regarding sins and griefs.

• What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

  ➔ Exclamatory sentence with infinitive

  ➔ The phrase emphasizes the privilege of prayer, using an infinitive to express purpose.

• What a peace we often forfeit,

  ➔ Exclamatory sentence

  ➔ The phrase expresses regret about losing peace, highlighting the emotional impact.

• all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

  ➔ Causal clause

  ➔ The clause explains the reason for the forfeited peace, linking actions to consequences.

• Have we trials and temptations?

  ➔ Interrogative sentence

  ➔ The question format invites reflection on personal struggles and challenges.

• Is there trouble anywhere?

  ➔ Interrogative sentence

  ➔ This question prompts consideration of the presence of difficulties in life.

• Take it to the Lord in prayer.

  ➔ Imperative sentence

  ➔ The imperative form gives a command or advice, encouraging action.