Text: Judson Van De Venter
Music: Winfield Weeden
Genre: Hymn
Language: English
Scripture References: Joshua 24:15; 2 Chronicles 30:6-9; Matthew 10:8; 16:24-28; 19:21; Mark 8:34; 10:28; Luke 9:23; 14:33; 18:22, 28-30; Acts 4:31-35; 21:13-14; Romans 6:8-22; 1 John 2:15-17
Liturgical Uses/Seasons: Baptism, Funeral
Themes: Jesus Christ

The text of this hymn was written by Judson Van De Venter an American art teacher and musician who later became a music minister and evangelist. This hymn was set to the tune known as SURRENDER by Winfield Weeden and published in 1896 in Gospel Songs of Grace and Glory. Originally, the hymn had five stanzas but only three stanzas are reflected in modern Hymnals. Stanzas two and five are omitted. Over the years the hymn has appeared in over three hundred hymnals since its publication. The hymn originally featured two-part harmony on the stanza and four-part harmony on the refrain with echoes between the male and female voices. In modern hymnals, the entire hymn is commonly written in four parts. The hymn is a hymn of prayer and commitment which can be used all year round as a song of response, devotion, or invitation to Christ. It emphasizes that a life of total surrender to Christ requires a willful decision to follow, total obedience, humility, desire for an intimate relationship, and a receptive attitude towards God’s blessings.

In the Nigerian church, the song is most often sung from hymn books and from memory. Though other arrangements and chord charts for bands can be downloaded from many sites on the internet. However, the song can be accessed in the hymnal, internet, and Youtube. The song is often sung during evangelistic crusades, mission services, after making positive Christian commitment, and after sermons that focus on invitations to Christ. The song can be set to light instrumentals in place of or prior to the singing as a setting for contemplation and silent prayer. Due to the contemplative nature of the song, it cannot be set to a variety of musical styles to allow for proper response by singers and listeners. Lyrics

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 Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy 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]

Sources:
https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/i-surrender-all/
https://hymnary.org/text/all_to_jesus_i_surrender
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:I_Surrender_All_1896_Gospel_Songs_of_Grace_and_Glory.jpg

Contributed by Emmanuella Chesirri.