Medley: What a Friend We Have in Jesus / Old Rugged Cross / How Great Thou Art

Song Meaning

This medley opens with a comforting affirmation of faith, presenting Jesus as a steadfast companion for life's burdens. The initial lines establish a tone of solace, highlighting the "privilege" of "prayer" as a means to offload "sins and griefs." It paints a picture of spiritual support, where divine presence offers an immediate balm for suffering. The second section shifts to a more determined, almost defiant, embrace of the "old rugged cross." The narrator pledges to "cherish" and "cling" to it, viewing it not as a symbol of shame but as something to be held onto until the end. This imagery suggests a deep personal connection to the sacrifice, anticipating a future reward – an "exchange" for a "crown." The final movement swells into an expression of awe and worship. The repeated, emphatic declaration "How great Thou Art" signifies a profound recognition of divine power and majesty. The "sings my soul" phrase indicates that this realization is not just intellectual but deeply felt, a visceral response to the grandeur of the "Saviour God." Together, these hymns create a narrative arc from finding comfort in a divine friend, to holding fast to the symbol of sacrifice, and finally erupting in worship. The power lies in the progression from personal solace to steadfast devotion and ultimately to overwhelming adoration, all grounded in the core tenets of Christian belief.