All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Lyrics by Fanny J. Crosby (1823–1915)
Music by Robert Lowry (1826–1899)
Scripture Reference: Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23

The beloved hymn “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” was born from a deeply personal experience of God’s provision in the life of its author, Fanny J. Crosby. Facing an urgent financial need and without a known source of help, Crosby turned to prayer, as was her custom. She had no idea where the five dollars she required would come from, but in faith, she sought the Lord. Moments later, a stranger knocked at her door and handed her exactly five dollars—no more, no less. Moved by this direct answer to prayer, Crosby later wrote, “I have no way of accounting for this except to believe that God, in answer to my prayer, put it into the heart of this good man to bring the money. My first thought was, it is so wonderful the way the Lord leads me.” Overflowing with gratitude and inspiration, she immediately composed the hymn text, and Dr. Robert Lowry set it to music. The hymn was first published in 1875 in the Sunday School collection Brightest and Best, compiled by William H. Doane and Lowry.

Frances Jane Crosby, known as Fanny J. Crosby, was born on March 24, 1823, in Southeast, New York, to humble parents. At just six weeks old, she was permanently blinded due to improper medical treatment. Despite this early hardship, she lived a life of remarkable productivity and joy, deeply rooted in her Christian faith. Crosby became a lifelong member of St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church in New York City and was educated at the New York Institute for the Blind, where she later taught from 1847 to 1858. In 1858, she married Alexander Van Alstyne, a blind musician and fellow teacher at the institute.

Early in her career, Crosby wrote secular verse and popular songs. One of her most commercially successful songs, “Rosalie, the Prairie Flower,” earned her nearly three thousand dollars in royalties—a substantial sum for that era. However, her true calling emerged in her early forties, when she began writing gospel hymn texts in earnest under the influence of noted church musician William B. Bradbury. From that time forward, Crosby dedicated her life to writing hymns, stating she was the “happiest creature in all the land.” She famously knelt in prayer before writing each hymn, asking for divine guidance. Known for carrying a small American flag along with her Bible, she became a patriotic figure as well as a beloved spiritual voice.

Fanny Crosby worked closely with many of the leading gospel musicians of her time, including Ira D. Sankey, William H. Doane, John Sweney, George C. Stebbins, George F. Root, and William J. Kirkpatrick. Among her most enduring works are “Blessed Assurance,” “My Savior First of All,” “Rescue the Perishing,” and “Saved by Grace.” Each of these hymns continues to inspire believers across generations and denominations, echoing her deep personal trust in Christ.

The composer of the tune, Robert Lowry, was born on March 12, 1826, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though he became a highly respected Baptist pastor and preacher, Lowry’s lifelong passion was music and hymnology, which he pursued alongside his ministerial work. After the death of William B. Bradbury, Lowry became music editor for Biglow & Main, one of the most prominent American sacred music publishers of the time. His editorial contributions and musical compositions greatly advanced the cause of church music in the late 19th century. Among his best-known musical settings are “Christ Arose” and “I Need Thee Every Hour.” In “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” Lowry’s simple yet rich melody perfectly complements Crosby’s heartfelt testimony of divine guidance.

In addition to her well-known hymns, Fanny Crosby wrote many lesser-known devotional poems and spiritual songs. One such hymn, penned in 1867, captures her heart’s longing for Christlike character:

“More like Jesus would I be,
Let my Savior dwell in me;
Fill my soul with peace and love,
Make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus while I go,
Pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be;
Let my Savior dwell in me.

If He hears the raven’s cry,
If His ever watchful eye
Marks the sparrows when they fall,
Surely He will hear my call;
He will teach me how to live,
All my sinful thoughts forgive;
Pure in heart I still would be;
Let my Savior dwell in me.

More like Jesus when I pray,
More like Jesus day by day;
May I rest me by His side,
Where the tranquil waters glide;
Born of Him, through grace renewed,
By His love my will subdued,
Rich in faith I still would be;
Let my Savior dwell in me.”

Through hymns like “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” Fanny J. Crosby shared not only her spiritual convictions but her very life—a testimony of reliance on God in every circumstance. Her faith that “Jesus doeth all things well” continues to inspire and reassure believers that the Savior still leads, step by step, all the way.