what a friend

I am deeply encouraged by this hymn:

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.

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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.

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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.

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- Joseph Scriven,

who battled loneliness and depression for a large part of his life