American Lutheran Hymnal ‎#631

631. My Truest Friend Abides In Heaven

1 My truest Friend abides in heaven;
On earth our friends are rare and few;
The world no proof to me hath given
Of friendship constant, firm and true.
And so my soul doth here contend
That Jesus is my truest Friend.

2 Men in their friendship often falter,
But Jesus like a rock doth stand;
Tho' storms of woe my fortune alter,
He holds me firmly by the hand;
He is my stay till life doth end:
My Jesus is my truest Friend.

3 For me He suffers crucifixion.
For me He sheds His precious blood;
He comforts me in my affliction,
His counsels all are wise an good;
Upon His word I may depend:
He is indeed my truest Friend.

4 My Friend, such faithful love possessing,
My Friend, whose own I am for aye,
My Friend, so tender and caressing,
Beyond the grave my Friend will stay.
May I not then in truth contend
That Jesus is my truest Friend?

Text Information

• First Line: My truest Friend abides in heaven
• Title: My Truest Friend Abides In Heaven
• Translator: H. Brueckner (1925)
• Author: Benjamin Schmolk, 1672-1737
• Meter: 9 8 9 8 8 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1930
• Topic: Savior

Tune Information

• Name: HEAVENLY FRIEND
• Composer: L. Reichardt
• Meter: 9 8 9 8 8 8
• Key: F Major
• Source: German chorale: Der beste Freund