Funeral hymns hold a special place in memorial services, offering solace, reflection, and a sense of shared spirituality. Rooted in rich history and tradition, these hymns often transcend generations, bringing peace and unity to those mourning. Below is a list of 26 hymns explored in this article.
Amazing Grace
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
“Amazing Grace” is one of the most universally recognized hymns, celebrated for its message of redemption and hope. Its timeless melody and deeply personal lyrics resonate with people from various walks of life, making it a moving choice for funerals.
About This Hymn
Written by John Newton in 1772, this hymn reflects Newton’s journey from a life of hardship and guilt to one of faith and salvation. The hymn’s enduring legacy has made it a staple at both religious and secular memorials.
Abide with Me
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn provides comfort with its plea for divine presence during times of darkness and uncertainty. Its gentle melody and message of faith make it an uplifting selection.
About This Hymn
Composed by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, shortly before his death, “Abide with Me” captures the author’s reliance on God as he faced his own mortality. It has since become a favorite at Christian funerals worldwide.
How Great Thou Art
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
Its powerful lyrics and soaring melody celebrate the grandeur of God and the hope of eternal life, offering both comfort and a sense of awe.
About This Hymn
Originally a Swedish poem by Carl Boberg in 1885, “How Great Thou Art” was translated into English in 1949 and popularized by artists like Elvis Presley. It is now a beloved hymn in many Christian traditions.
The Lord’s My Shepherd
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
A setting of Psalm 23, this hymn reassures listeners with its imagery of divine guidance and care, making it a deeply personal and comforting funeral choice.
About This Hymn
Set to the tune “Crimond,” the hymn became widely popular in the 20th century. It is frequently chosen for both traditional and contemporary funerals, especially in Christian ceremonies.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn focuses on the constancy of God’s love and faithfulness, offering hope and reassurance to mourners.
About This Hymn
Written by Thomas Chisholm in 1923, the hymn was inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23. Its enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt expression of trust in God’s promises.
Be Still, My Soul
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn’s soothing melody and profound lyrics encourage peace and trust in God during difficult times, making it a fitting choice for farewells.
About This Hymn
“Be Still, My Soul” is set to the tune of Jean Sibelius’s “Finlandia” and was translated into English in the 19th century. Its themes of divine guidance and eternal hope resonate deeply at funerals.
Nearer, My God, to Thee
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
With its poignant message of spiritual closeness to God, this hymn is both reflective and uplifting.
About This Hymn
Written by Sarah Flower Adams in 1841, the hymn is famously associated with the sinking of the Titanic, where it was reportedly played by the ship’s musicians.
It Is Well with My Soul
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn’s lyrics reflect inner peace and acceptance, even in the face of tragedy, making it profoundly comforting.
About This Hymn
Penned by Horatio Spafford in 1873 after the loss of his daughters at sea, “It Is Well with My Soul” is a testament to faith and resilience.
In the Garden
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The hymn’s intimate depiction of walking with God in a garden offers solace and a personal connection to the divine.
About This Hymn
Composed by C. Austin Miles in 1912, “In the Garden” reflects the joy of communion with God and is often selected for its comforting imagery.
I’ll Fly Away
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This upbeat hymn celebrates the soul’s liberation and journey to heaven, bringing a sense of hope and joy to a funeral service.
About This Hymn
Written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929, “I’ll Fly Away” is one of the most recorded gospel songs of all time. Its lively melody and optimistic message make it a unique funeral choice.
Rock of Ages
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn reflects the unchanging and steadfast nature of God’s support, making it an ideal choice for funerals as it reassures mourners of divine protection.
About This Hymn
Written by Augustus Toplady in 1776, “Rock of Ages” was inspired by a rocky gorge in England where Toplady reportedly sought shelter during a storm. The hymn’s enduring popularity stems from its message of grace and refuge.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn offers comfort and guidance during grief, asking for God’s hand to lead through dark and trying times, making it deeply meaningful for a funeral.
About This Hymn
Composed by Thomas A. Dorsey in 1932, the hymn was written after the death of his wife and child. It became a cornerstone of gospel music and has been a source of solace for millions.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
Its theme of gratitude and divine guidance makes this hymn a reflective and hopeful choice for a funeral.
About This Hymn
Written by Robert Robinson in 1757, this hymn reflects Robinson’s spiritual journey and longing for connection with God. Its lyrical richness has made it a favorite in many Christian traditions.
On Eagle’s Wings
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The hymn’s promise of God’s protection and care, drawn from Psalm 91, provides a sense of comfort and hope, especially during moments of loss.
About This Hymn
Written by Michael Joncas in 1976, “On Eagle’s Wings” has become a modern classic in Catholic and Protestant worship services. Its gentle melody and biblical roots resonate deeply.
Blessed Assurance
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn celebrates the assurance of salvation and eternal life, bringing comfort and faith to grieving hearts.
About This Hymn
Fanny J. Crosby wrote the lyrics in 1873, with music by Phoebe Knapp. Crosby’s confidence in her faith shines through in the hymn, making it a timeless choice for funerals.
When Peace Like a River (It Is Well)
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The hymn’s powerful message of peace amid adversity makes it an anchor for those facing loss.
About This Hymn
Horatio Spafford penned the lyrics after the tragic loss of his children, pairing them with Philip Bliss’s music in 1873. Its history of resilience adds depth to its meaning.
Jesus Loves Me
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The simplicity and sincerity of this hymn remind listeners of God’s unconditional love, offering peace and comfort during mourning.
About This Hymn
Anna B. Warner wrote the lyrics in 1860 as part of a children’s book. Its universal appeal and profound message make it a comforting choice for funerals, especially for families.
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The hymn’s invitation to find rest in Jesus provides comfort to those grieving and contemplating eternity.
About This Hymn
Written by Will Lamartine Thompson in 1880, this hymn has been cherished for its tender melody and message of divine love and mercy.
Sweet By and By
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn’s joyful anticipation of heavenly reunion makes it a hopeful and uplifting choice for funeral services.
About This Hymn
Composed by Sanford F. Bennett and Joseph P. Webster in 1868, “Sweet By and By” emphasizes the hope of eternal life and the comfort of seeing loved ones again.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
Its prayerful tone and theme of walking in faith make it a deeply personal and comforting hymn for funerals.
About This Hymn
The origins of this hymn are uncertain, but it gained popularity in the 20th century through gospel and jazz renditions. Its heartfelt lyrics resonate with many.
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn’s plea for guidance and strength is especially poignant during times of loss, making it a powerful choice for funerals.
About This Hymn
Written by Thomas A. Dorsey, the hymn has been a cornerstone of gospel music and was famously sung at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral, underscoring its message of resilience and faith.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The hymn emphasizes the comfort and solace found in prayer and faith, offering hope to those grieving.
About This Hymn
Joseph M. Scriven wrote the lyrics in 1855 as a poem for his mother. Its universal appeal lies in its message of divine friendship and support.
Shall We Gather at the River
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The hymn’s imagery of a heavenly gathering by the river offers hope and a sense of reunion with loved ones in the afterlife.
About This Hymn
Written by Robert Lowry in 1864, this hymn reflects on Revelation 22:1-2, painting a vivid picture of eternal peace and joy.
Holy, Holy, Holy
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
The hymn’s majestic tone and celebration of God’s holiness make it a profound choice for reflecting on divine glory at a funeral.
About This Hymn
Written by Reginald Heber in 1826, this hymn is often sung to the tune “Nicaea” and is a cornerstone of Christian worship worldwide.
Because He Lives
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
This hymn offers hope in the promise of eternal life, reassuring mourners of the victory over death.
About This Hymn
Written by Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971, “Because He Lives” gained popularity for its message of faith and resilience.
Morning Has Broken
Why This Hymn is a Good Choice
Its uplifting melody and celebration of new beginnings provide a sense of hope and renewal during a funeral service.
About This Hymn
Eleanor Farjeon wrote the lyrics in 1931, and the hymn was later popularized by Cat Stevens. Its gentle message of gratitude and rebirth resonates with many.
List of Funeral Hymns
- Amazing Grace
- Abide with Me
- How Great Thou Art
- The Lord’s My Shepherd
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness
- Be Still, My Soul
- Nearer, My God, to Thee
- It Is Well with My Soul
- In the Garden
- I’ll Fly Away
- Rock of Ages
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand
- Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- On Eagle’s Wings
- Blessed Assurance
- When Peace Like a River
- Jesus Loves Me
- Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
- Sweet By and By
- Just a Closer Walk with Thee
- Take My Hand, Precious Lord
- What a Friend We Have in Jesus
- Shall We Gather at the River
- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Because He Lives
- Morning Has Broken
