Worship Set 8 - "I Surrender All"

​This simple, classic hymn is one of my favorites.  Penned in 1896 by the little known J.W. Van DeVenter.  This Methodist lay pastor wrote many hymns, but the most well-known one by far is “I Surrender All”.
 

​Filled with heartfelt devotion and moving musical lines, this song is definitely a classic and favorite.  Often used during alter calls, I feel that this song deserves more attention and coverage.  The message contained in it is not just for the unbeliever putting his faith in Christ; it’s for all of us.  We all need reminders that it’s “all to Jesus we surrender, all to Him we freely give.”
 
I think the most moving version of this song I’ve heard is one done by Michael W. Smith.  I’ll include the video at the end of this post.  It touched my heart in a deep way and has been a worship inducing song ever since. 
 
One of my favorite parts of this song is the first verse:

“All of Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live”

​It is a beautiful lyric, easy to sing, but oh so hard to live out.  May this be our prayer now and always as we strive to daily live a life of worship and surrender.  Here’s “I Surrender All” by J.W. Van DeVenter and covered by Michael W. Smith.

"I Surrender All"
by J.W. Van DeVener

All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me Jesus take me now

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Saviour
I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender
Make me Saviour wholly Thine
Let me feel the Holy Spirit
Truly know that Thou art mine

All to Jesus I surrender
Lord I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Thy love and power
Let Thy blessings fall on me

​All to Jesus I surrender
Now I feel the sacred flame
Oh the joy of full salvation
Glory glory to His name