Have you ever thought about hymns as sermons, some of our Methodist Hymns are power packed with some good theological stuff, the kind of rhetoric that would have one say “that will preach”. The hymn that comes to mind is about prayer, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus“. Each sentence in every stanza has the potential of being a great sermon title, surely a confidence builder. This Hymn is a wonderful testament of Prayer and God’s relationship to us as we pray. This Hymn is just busy, it is full of hope, promise, peace, grace and lots of Love. Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Pray it, sing it, preacher it, it will work.
If you would like to view past editions of Devotions with DS. Kenneth Locklear, follow this link: https://gatewaydistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/