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About Numbered Notation

Numbered Notation (also called Jianpu, 简谱) writes each melody note as a number from 1 to 7 instead of a note on a staff. The number shows the note's position in the song's scale -- not its exact pitch -- so the same tune looks identical no matter what key it's sung in.

Within one octave, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 correspond to the familiar do re mi fa sol la ti. A dot above a number raises it an octave higher; a dot below lowers it an octave lower -- no dot means the middle, as-written octave.

A plain number lasts one beat. A dash (-) right after a number holds that same note for one more beat. A line underneath a number shortens it instead -- one line is half a beat, two lines a quarter of a beat. A 0 is a rest: silence for one beat.

The label at the top of the sheet, like "1=C" or "1=Ab", shows which pitch scale degree 1 ("do") is tuned to. A song in a minor key is labeled "6=X" instead -- scale degree 6 ("la") is the true tonic. Chord names printed above the notes (like "C" or "G7") always use their familiar letter names, never numbers.

For example, under a "1=C" heading, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sound as C D E F G A B. Under a "1=G" heading, those very same numbers sound as G A B C D E F# instead -- same shape, different key.

What a Friend we have in Jesus

Prayer Telling the Lord

English789
1
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!
2
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.
3
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.

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Izuchukwu

Umuahia, Abia, Nigeria

Nov 22, 2020

Jesus is our greatest friend.

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Pam

Nigeria

Nov 22, 2020

This song reassures me that God is always there for me in every situation, my burden bearer. All I need to do is to take my requests to him and involve him in all my affairs. Jesus is beautiful and ever faithful.

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Lipontso Manda

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Nov 21, 2020

Thank you for sharing these experiences with us. I've just recognized some of the signs from my lovely aunt. I am humbled and enlightened. I can cultivate a more caring approach. Demonstrate patience and more peace towards her demands. Thanks a million

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Sam Sahayadhas

Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India

Nov 17, 2020

Jesus is the only Friend who will be always with us.

Can anyone highlight the circumstance in which the song was written by the author?

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Vicky

Adidogome, Lome, Togo

Nov 13, 2020

A very motivating song

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Oruni

Kampala, Uganda

Nov 9, 2020

Wow so blessed with this Lyric

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Levi

Enugu, Nigeria

Nov 7, 2020

This Hymn has being my comforter as I keep on singing it over and over when ever am down. I thank God for giving men the insight to come up with a beautiful hymn like this .... Jesus my friend and my everything.

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Dave Harper

Aurora, CO, United States

Oct 31, 2020

Every time I read these lyrics, I am moved to tears.

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Kamani Paul

Jos, Plateau, Nigeria

Oct 29, 2020

Glad that Jesus is a Friend. The beautiful and holy Lamb of God 😊

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Habila Musa

Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Oct 26, 2020

I honestly been touched by this song which is for me a landmark on my journey to salvation. Mostly people misconstrue who Jesus really is, no matter how they see him, he's what this song rightly says He is, a friend in need, a saviour, he bears my load of burdens anytime, he hears prayers and answers them. And just more than all these.

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