Baptisms
Baptism Hymns — Adventist & Christian Hymn Lyrics for the Water
A baptism service needs three kinds of hymn: one that calls for surrender, one sung while the candidates are in the water, and one of rejoicing as the church receives them. These are the hymns most used in Seventh-day Adventist and wider Christian baptisms.
7 hymns for baptisms
- 01Baptize Us AnewSDA Hymnal #258
Written for exactly this moment — a prayer for the Spirit as the water closes over.
Read the full lyrics → - 02Just As I AmSDA Hymnal #320
The classic hymn of appeal; ideal immediately before the candidates enter the water.
Read the full lyrics → - 03Only Trust HimSDA Hymnal #279
A simple, singable invitation with a refrain visitors can join by the second verse.
Read the full lyrics → - 04Take My Life and Let It BeSDA Hymnal #330
The vow of consecration that baptism enacts — every faculty offered to God.
Read the full lyrics → - 05There Is a FountainSDA Hymnal #336
Cleansing by the blood, which the water only pictures.
Read the full lyrics → - 06Trust and ObeySDA Hymnal #590
A joyful closing hymn as the newly baptized are welcomed.
Read the full lyrics → - 07Amazing GraceSDA Hymnal #108
Universally known, and every line fits a new beginning.
Read the full lyrics →
How to choose well
- Sing an appeal hymn before the first candidate steps in — 'Just As I Am' or 'Only Trust Him' — so the congregation is praying, not spectating.
- Keep the in-water hymn quiet and repeatable; the timing is never exact, so choose something the pianist can extend.
- Close with joy. A vigorous hymn as the candidates come up turns a ceremony into a celebration.
- Print or project verses — baptism services always bring visitors who do not know the words.
Frequently asked questions
What hymn is sung while someone is being baptized?
Most churches sing a quiet, repeatable hymn such as 'Baptize Us Anew' (SDA Hymnal 258) or 'Just As I Am' while candidates are in the water, because the timing between candidates varies.
How many hymns should a baptism service have?
Three works well: an appeal hymn before the water, a quiet hymn during the baptisms, and a joyful hymn of welcome afterwards.
Are these baptism hymns public domain?
Yes — every hymn text on this page is public domain, so it can be printed or projected for your service at no cost.
A hymn written for their baptism day
We compose personalised baptism hymns on a candidate's name and testimony verse, recorded in reverent choral style for the service.