I Surrender All
This page includes a lyric video, history, sheet music, and other resources for the classic hymn “I Surrender All.” Enjoy!
Enjoy this You Tube video, performed by Jadon Lavik, with lyrics for “I Surrender All”:
History of “I Surrender All”:
Words by Judson Wheeler Van DeVenter (1855-1939), Published in 1896
Judson Wheeler Van DeVenter was born in 1855 and grew up on a farm near Dundee, Michigan. He attended Hillsdale College, and after graduating, became an art teacher. In his free time, Judson began volunteering in the evangelistic ministry of his church, and friends soon recognized how God had uniquely gifted him for evangelism. Though he was encouraged to pursue full-time ministry, Judson struggled with the idea of giving up his career in art. Ultimately, he “surrendered all” and gives a personal account of the writing of this cherished hymn:
“The song was written while I was conducting a meeting at East Palestine, Ohio . . . For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work. At last the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I became an evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, He caused me to sing.”1
Around 1896, Judson began to travel extensively throughout the United States, England, and Scotland as an evangelist, along with singer, Winfield Weeden who wrote the music for “I Surrender All.”
After many years of fruitful ministry, Judson retired from full-time evangelism and settled with his wife and son in Florida (sadly, their daughter had passed away at age 20).2 Judson began a radio program called “The Gospel in Song and Story,” and around 1923, he became a professor of hymnology at the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity Bible College). A student at the college would later recall the meaningful time that he and many other students had at Judson’s home for fellowship and singing. This student also mentioned the significant influence that Judson had on his life – so much so that he also became an evangelist; his name is Billy Graham!3
Music “I Surrender All” by Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908), Published in 1896
Winfield S. Weeden was born in 1847 in Middleport, Ohio. He became a Christian as a young adult, and after spending many years teaching singing in schools, he felt called to serve in evangelistic ministries. Winfield was a talented singer and musician who was frequently invited to lead music at YMCA and other conventions.4 Eventually, he partnered with Judson on outreach campaigns where the two saw tremendous fruit from their evangelistic efforts. Over the years, Winfield composed many hymns (and compiled several collections of hymns), but “I Surrender All” was his best known hymn, and the title was appropriately engraved on his tombstone.5
Lyrics for “I Surrender All”:
All to Jesus, I surrender; all to Him I freely give.
I will ever love and trust Him; in His presence daily live.
Refrain
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender; humbly at His feet I bow.
Worldly pleasures all forsaken; take me, Jesus, take me now.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender; make me, Savior, wholly Thine.
Let me feel the Holy Spirit; truly know that Thou art mine.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender; Lord, I give myself to Thee.
Fill me with Thy love and power; let Thy blessing fall on me.
Refrain
All to Jesus I surrender; now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to His name!
Refrain
Additional Resources for “I Surrender All”:
Sheet Music (PDF Compliments of Hymnary.org)
Guitar Chords (Links to The Guitar Hymn Book)
Visit Hymnary.org or Hymn Time.com for more on this hymn.
See our Hymn of the Week page for a list of the hymns that are included on this site.
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Sources:
1 Osbeck, Kenneth W. Amazing Grace:366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Kregel Publications, 1990, p. 261.
2 “Judson Van Deventer,” Berean Bible Heritage.
3 Hustad, Donald P. Dictionary Handbook to Hymns for the Living Church. Hope Publishing Company, 1978, p. 331.
4 Reynolds, William Jensen. Hymns of Our Faith: A Handbook for the Baptist Hymnal. Broadman Press, 1964, p. 435.
5 ibid.
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