Musical Notes

Hello OCBC family,

During my devotional time I was reading Ephesians 6:18 where it says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (KJV).  This verse called to my attention that prayer has two purposes, first it is a sweet channel of relationship with the Father and intercession for the saints, but, second, it is a weapon against the enemy.  Did you notice that this verse is after the “Armor of God” passage?  Yes, we need the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, for shoes the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and guess what…? the prayer in the Spirit is at the end of the list.

When we pray we are having an intimate moment with our Father.  We have a fellowship with the Creator, and I know that He enjoys this moment with you.

You know the old hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, but probably you do not know about its author.  His name was Joseph M. Scriven, an Irish poet, who after his graduation moved to Canada, probably because he was influenced by the Plymouth Brethren.   But his life was not always happy.  He was engaged twice, and both fiancées died, the first one accidentally drowned, and the second one fell ill of pneumonia.  After that he committed his life to help others.

When his mother was sick, he wrote a poem to give her comfort, called “Pray Without Ceasing”.  Somehow, this poem ended up in the hands of the composer Charles Crozat Converse who renamed the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”  Since that time, this hymn has been a blessing for millions of Christians around the world.

You know the lyrics very well, but probably you don’t know the fourth verse of this hymn.  Don’t try to look for this verse in the hymnals, it is not there-  I don’t know why.  I want to finish this article by sharing this verse with you.

Blessed Saviour, 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.

In His Service,

Israel