A Timeless Hymn, Reimagined for a Life Fully Surrendered
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is a classic Christian hymn reimagined for modern life. Explore the powerful story behind this timeless song, its biblical foundation, full lyrics, and a heartfelt prayer reflecting Christ’s sacrifice and complete surrender.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is one of the most profound hymns ever written, drawing the believer’s heart to the center of the Christian faith—the cross of Jesus Christ.
In this brand-new 2025 rendition, the hymn is brought into modern life through a quiet yet powerful story: a young woman standing before the cross, deeply moved by the suffering and boundless love of Christ. As she reflects on His sacrifice, something within her shifts. The things she once valued lose their hold. In their place rises a new clarity—Christ and His cross are worth everything.
This version invites every listener to pause, reflect, and respond—not merely with words, but with a surrendered life.
The hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross was written by Isaac Watts in the early 18th century—a time when hymns were beginning to move beyond rigid psalm paraphrases into deeply personal expressions of faith.
Watts wrote this hymn not as a theological argument, but as a heart response to the cross.
Imagine the scene:
A believer standing still, surveying—not glancing at—the cross. This is not a hurried look, but a long, searching gaze. As the eyes remain fixed on Christ crucified, the soul begins to reckon with the cost of redemption.
Watts contrasts the glory of the world with the glory of the cross. Things once admired—status, wealth, human achievement—now appear strangely small. Pride melts away. Earthly boasting becomes unthinkable. The cross exposes both the depth of human sin and the immeasurable love of God.
This hymn has endured for over three centuries because it speaks to a moment every believer must face:
What is Christ truly worth to me?
The message of this hymn is deeply rooted in Scripture, echoing themes found throughout the New Testament:
Galatians 6:14
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
Philippians 3:7–8
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
Isaiah 53:5
“He was pierced for our transgressions… and by his wounds we are healed.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Together, these verses form the spiritual backbone of the hymn: the cross as the ultimate revelation of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Words: Isaac Watts
Music: Lowell Mason
Present by: Dandelion
(Verse 1)
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
(Verse 2)
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
(Verse 3)
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
(Verse 4)
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
Rather than focusing on melody alone, this hymn leads the heart through a spiritual journey:
Seeing the Cross Clearly – recognizing the depth of Christ’s suffering
Letting Go of Pride & Worldly Glory – realizing what truly matters
Responding to Divine Love – offering our lives in return
This modern arrangement preserves the hymn’s solemn beauty while using contemporary visuals and atmosphere to help today’s worshiper connect personally with the message of surrender.
🎥 Watch the worship video to reflect, listen, and respond in prayer.
Lord Jesus,
As we stand before Your cross, we are overwhelmed by Your love.
You gave everything for us—Your body, Your blood, Your life.
Forgive us for the times we cling to the things of this world.
Teach us to see what truly matters.
Let the cross reshape our values, our desires, and our future.
We offer You our hearts, our plans, our possessions, and our lives.
May we follow You not halfway, but fully—
loving You above all else, now and forever.
In Your precious name we pray,
Amen.
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
— John 12:32
This hymn calls us to more than admiration—it calls us to surrender.
May this song lead you to the cross again and remind you that nothing compares to the love of Christ.
👉 Listen • Reflect • Worship
