Country artist Alan Jackson is widely known for his reputation as a country traditionalist. While everyone else’s music was influenced by pop and rock, Alan Jackson’s songs remained true to country. Part of that commitment was recording albums of gospel songs. In his 2005 Precious Memories album, Alan Jackson released his version of the popular Christian hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and 15 other hymns.

“Take It To The Lord In Prayer”

Alan Jackson grew up in rural Georgia, and as a teenager, he was part of a country duo that sang gospel music. As he grew as an artist, he always had that in his heart – and fans also loved it. Some even expressed that he should go full gospel because he sounded like the Holy Ghost anointed him. One of those songs was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

The hymn was originally written as a poem by preacher Joseph M. Scriven in 1855 and was initially published anonymously. Years later, in 1868, an attorney and composer named Charles Crozat Converse crafted a tune for it and made it a song. However, due to the poem’s anonymity, it wasn’t until the 1880s that Scriven got credit. 

He first recorded it in 2005 and performed it live 12 years later at the Ryman Auditorium. Jackson sat on a stool in his signature modern cowboy ensemble, with a full band and background singers. When he started singing, it felt like Jesus was there – His warm hand touching and healing our hearts and souls. The song was just two minutes short, but it was more than anyone needed.

So, if you’re going through rough times, always know that you have a friend in Jesus – someone who would listen to your worries and problems and ease your pain. If you need a reminder, simply play Alan Jackson’s “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” below. We’re sure it’ll help put assurance in your hearts and minds.