Among the great and glorious gifts
our heavenly Father sends
Is the gift and understanding
that we find in loving friends.

For in this world of trouble
that is filled with anxious care
Everybody needs a friend
in whom they're free to share
The little secret heartaches
that lay heavy on their mind,
Not just a mere acquaintance
but someone who's just our kind.

For, somehow in this generous heart
of loving faithful friends
The good God in his charity
and wisdom always sends
A sense of understanding
and power of perception
and mixes these fine qualities
with kindness and affection.

So when we need some sympathy
or a friendly hand to touch,
or an ear that listens tenderly
and speaks words that mean so much,
We seek our true and trusted friend
in the knowledge that we'll find
A heart that's sympathetic
and an understanding mind...

And often without a word
there seems to be a union
of thoughts and kindred feelings
for God gives true friends communion.

Author Unknown