I surrender all, I surrender all
All to You I give. [6x]
[Spoken:]
Some of us are bowed down,
Some of us with our hands lifted;
We present ourselves to You
Our lives, completely and totally.
We surrender to You,
And our answer, the word of agreement
Between heaven and earth is "yes."
Whatever You want to do, Lord...
We say yes to You.
[Sung, worship leader ad lib; repeat each line as needed]
We say yes, we surrender
I say yes, I surrender
"I Surrender All" is a powerful worship song that has resonated with believers around the world. Written by William McDowell, this song captures the essence of surrendering our lives completely to God. With its heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melody, it has become a anthem of surrender and devotion in the Christian music community.
The inspiration behind "I Surrender All" lies in the biblical concept of surrendering our lives to God. In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." This verse speaks of the need to surrender our desires, ambitions, and plans to God in order to truly follow Him. It is a call to give up control and trust in His guidance and provision.
The song begins with the repetition of the phrase, "I surrender all," emphasizing the complete surrender of every area of our lives to God. It acknowledges that surrender is a deliberate choice that we have to make, not just a one-time decision. It is a daily surrender of our will, our dreams, and our fears to God. The song invites us to present ourselves to God, acknowledging that He is the one who has the power to transform our lives.
As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, reflecting the passion and urgency of our surrender. The repetition of the phrase, "All to You I give," emphasizes the act of giving everything to God. It is a declaration that we are laying down our lives before Him, holding nothing back. It is a reminder that true surrender requires sacrifice and letting go of our own desires.
The lyrics also speak of the surrendering of our burdens to God. In 1 Peter 5:7, it says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse encourages us to give our worries and cares to God, knowing that He is able to handle them. "I Surrender All" reminds us that when we surrender our burdens to God, we find peace and rest in His presence.
The song not only captures the scriptural truth of surrender, but it also creates an atmosphere of worship. The melody and arrangement of the music draw listeners into a place of surrender and adoration. As we sing these words, we are reminded of the greatness of God and the privilege we have to surrender our lives to Him. It becomes a moment of intimate connection with our Creator, where we lay aside our own agendas and focus solely on Him.
"I Surrender All" has become a favorite among believers because it speaks to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. It is a reminder that surrender is not a one-time event, but a continuous act of trust and obedience. It challenges us to let go of our own desires and surrender to God's perfect plan for our lives. Through this song, William McDowell has created a powerful anthem that invites us to surrender all to our loving and faithful God.
