While you may not have known about Joseph Scriven before the name, most people have read the words he wrote in his letter addressed to his mother.
Joseph Scriven was born in 1819 to a wealthy family from Dublin, Ireland and graduated from Trinity College in Dublin. When he was 25 he made the decision to leave his home country and relocate to Canada probably due to the fact that Scriven as well as his entire family were at odds. Unfortunately his fiancée drowned in the night prior to their wedding. He was forced to move within Port Hope, Ontario.
At that point the pattern of life of Scriven changed. He lived his life according to Scriven’s Sermon at the Mount and gave away his belongings. There is a legend that he did not once refuse to assist any person in need even sharing his personal clothes.
A man was mentioned by a friend who had seen Scriven cutting wood and inquired whether he could hire him. He was told “You cannot hire this man as he only saws wood for widows who are poor and sick people who are unable to pay.”
Joseph Scriven discovered the news that his mom was gravely sick and he was unable to afford enough money to cross the ocean to visit her. In 1857, he wrote to her an encouraging letter with a poem called “Pray Without Ceasing,” according to what the Bible states at 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Then, after Scriven himself was sick A friend was able to visit him. The visitor was able to see the poem written on a piece of paper in the vicinity of Joseph’s bed. When he read it and asking Scriven to confirm to confirm if he wrote the words. “The Lord and I did in our own way,” was his reply.
Joseph Scriven did not pen his poem to be published. The poem did find the way in a collection of hymns and other poems released in 1869.
Then, a gifted composer by the name of Charles C. Converse eventually set the poem to music. Ira Sankey, a well-known musician, discovered the hymn, and it was the final song that he included in his hymnal published in 1875.
In a way, Joseph Scriven died by accidental drowning in 1886. The lyrics he wrote more than 150 years ago not only soothed his mother, but also millions of people like me and you continue to find comfort in the lyrics.
“What is our friend in Jesus with all our pains and sorrows to take on! It is a blessing to bring all of our burdens before God through prayer! What peace we frequently sacrifice, what unnecessary suffering we endure, all because we aren’t able to bring all of our needs towards God during prayer!
“Have we faced temptations and trials? Do you know if there is trouble in the area? It is important not to be discouraged. Bring this into God the Lord by praying. Do we have a person that is so trustworthy, and who will be there for us through our trials? Jesus recognizes our weaknesses in every way. Bring this to the Lord by praying.
“Are we poor and heavy-laden and burdened by the burden of responsibility? Beautiful Jesus remains our refuge, offer this to the Lord by prayer. Do your friends hate you and abandon you? Bring your grievance to the Lord by prayer. His arms, He’ll secure you. You’ll find comfort there.”
Jan White has compiled a collection of her columns in her book “Everyday The Faithful Daily Life.”
The story son’s letter addressed to his mother gives phrases of consolation appeared at The Andalusia Star-News.
