We used a well-known hymn to suggest prayer topics at our committee meeting the other night.  The Trinity Hymnal provides an appropriate Bible verse at the top of each hymn, so we added that to our mix.

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

By Joseph Scriven

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.

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.

The active phrase in this hymn is “Take It to the Lord in Prayer,” so that is what we will do.

 Hear the echoes of Philippians 4.6-7:  “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 The instructions were simple: Reflect for a few minutes on

• Reasons in the hymn for Thanking or Praising God  (our friend, comforter, encourager, defender, and more)
• Confession to make if we have avoided or neglected God (distracted by depression, troubles, pride, etc)
• Requests to bring before the Lord  (families, church matters, meeting issues. others)

Then, let’s pray.  The leader guided into the three areas: Thanksgiving, Confession, and Requests.