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| Rembrandt ~ Face of Jesus |
IN THE CHRISTMAS~EPIPHANY TIME: God knows I exist. God cares that I exist. God has me in mind. God sits down at table with me. God sees me as a Mother sees her child. God offers me friendship. God with a human face.
In 1868 Charles Converse composed the marvelous hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Hold close the restless, tired world as you read the prayer-lyrics and consider Rembrandt's Face of 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 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.
