American art teacher Judson W. Van De Venter wrote the hymn 'I Surrender All' in 1896, when he was struggling to decide whether to stay working as an art teacher or take up preaching. It was this struggle, he explains, that inspired the hymn.
'For some time, he 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'
'I Surrender All' 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.
2 All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. [Refrain]
3 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]