Jesus What A Friend For Sinners Lyrics
Tune Name: HYFRYDOL
Composer: Rowland H. Prichard
Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
Hymnbook Source: Hymns Ancient & Modern
Verse 1
Jesus! What a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Chorus
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Verse 2
Jesus! What a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Chorus
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Verse 3
Jesus! What a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Chorus
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Verse 4
Jesus! What a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Chorus
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Verse 5
Jesus! I do now adore Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.
Chorus
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners |
| Author / Lyricist | J. Wilbur Chapman (1859–1918) |
| Composer / Tune | Rowland H. Prichard (1811–1887) – adapted melody |
| Date Written / Published | 1910 |
| Historical Context | American gospel hymn emphasizing Christ’s friendship and mercy toward sinners. |
| Theme / Message | Christ’s compassionate friendship and willingness to save sinners. |
| Notable Features | Evangelistic tone; easy to sing in congregations. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Widely included in evangelical hymnals and revival meetings. |
| Source / Scholarship | American Gospel Hymns Old and New – Harry Eskew |
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