I Surrender All
A hymn of total consecration that grew out of an artist's surrender to full-time ministry.
Download PDFA hymn of total consecration that grew out of an artist's surrender to full-time ministry. Written by Judson W. Van DeVenter (1896), set to the tune "Surrender" by Winfield S. Weeden.
Suggested pairing scripture
Romans 12:1
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Read Romans 12:1 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "I Surrender All." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing at the close of a service as a hymn of response, during altar calls, baptisms, and seasons of personal rededication.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
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 blessed Saviour, I surrender all.
Stanza 3
All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now.
Stanza 4
All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Saviour, wholly Thine; Let me feel the Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine.
Stanza 5
All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me.
History & Background
Van DeVenter, a respected art teacher, wrestled for years between teaching art and entering full-time evangelism. After he finally surrendered to ministry, he wrote this hymn around 1896 to express that yielding. Winfield S. Weeden composed the tune the same year.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Romans 12:1
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."Read in context
Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired I Surrender All?
Judson Van DeVenter wrote it after years of wrestling between art teaching and gospel ministry. The hymn captures the moment he yielded fully to evangelism.
Related Hymns
Other hymns that share themes or scripture with I Surrender All.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
I Surrender All
Judson W. Van DeVenter • 1896
Take My Life and Let It Be
Frances R. Havergal • 1874
Psalm 25:1 Commentary
In-depth study • Surrender & Trust
Psalm 37:5 Commentary
In-depth study • Trust & Surrender
Philippians 1:21 — Meaning & Devotional
Devotion
Surrender
Bible verses about surrender — KJV Scripture on the theme of surrender with devo
Where to go next
Enjoyed "I Surrender All"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
- Today's Bible verse (KJV)A fresh verse and short reflection each day.Continue