You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

15. I'll Be a Friend to Jesus

1 They tried my Lord and Master,
With no one to defend;
Within the halls of Pilate
He stood without a friend.

Refrain:
I’ll be a friend to Jesus,
My life for Him I’ll spend;
I’ll be a friend to Jesus,
Until my years shall end.

2 The world may turn against Him,
I’ll love Him to the end,
And while on earth I’m living,
My Lord shall have a friend. [Refrain]

3 I’ll do what He may bid me;
I’ll go where He may send;
I’ll try each flying moment,
To prove that I’m His friend. [Refrain]

4 To all who need a Saviour,
My Friend I’ll recommend,
Because He brought salvation,
Is why I am His friend. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: They tried my Lord and Master
Title: I'll Be a Friend to Jesus
Author: Rev. Johnson Oatman
Refrain First Line: I'll be a friend to Jesus
Language: English
Publication Date: 1938
Copyright: J. W. Dennis, Owner
Notes: Now Public Domain
Tune Information
Name: [They tried my Lord and Master]
Composer: J. W. Dennis
Key: F Major or modal
Copyright: J. W. Dennis, Owner
Notes: Now Public Domain



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.