Picking the hymns for a funeral is never easy. It doesn’t help that there are so many of them.
Many of which you’ll probably only remember from a wedding or maybe school. And the rest you’ve never heard of.
But it matters more than people let on. The right hymn can hold a room together.
I’ve been at funerals where the first few bars of Abide With Me has caused tears almost straight away and then other times when the right hymn has given people the attention to face the rest of the day after the service.
So this is a long list. There’s over 30 funeral hymns covering the old traditional ones everybody knows, the uplifting ones that keep spirits up as well as more modern hymns that have become part of funerals over the last few decades.
For each I’ve provided little bit of information on where it comes from, why it works at a funeral and the opening verse where I’m able to share it. Take what fits and ignore the rest.
If you’re also putting together readings and tributes our guides on funeral poems, funeral prayers and what to say at a funeral can also help out.
Traditional Funeral Hymns
These are the ones that are used time and time again. If you’re not sure where to start then these are probably the best place to begin.
Most of the congregation will know them and that’s going to help. There’s nothing sadder than a hymn nobody can sing.
1. Amazing Grace
Probably the most requested funeral hymn there is and for good reason. Written by John Newton in 1779, a former slave trader who had a complete change of heart, it’s a hymn about being lost and then found. The theme of redemption and being carried home is what works for it at a funeral.
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see
2. Abide With Me
Henry Francis Lyte wrote this in 1847 while he was dying of tuberculosis. It’s about asking God to stay close as the light fades and it’s hard to beat for the amount of emotion it brings. It’s probably best not to use it as an opener though as it will almost certainly get lots of people crying.
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh abide with me
3. The Lord’s My Shepherd (Crimond)
This is Psalm 23 set to the Crimond tune and has become a funeral staple. The words about walking through the valley of the shadow of death are some of the most comforting in the whole Bible. It’s easy to sing and will feel familiar for many people.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green, he leadeth me
The quiet waters by
4. The Old Rugged Cross
George Bennard wrote this back in 1912 and it’s been a Protestant funeral favorite ever since. It’s a heartfelt, slightly old fashioned hymn about clinging to faith. It has some real warmth to it that suits an older relative’s service especially well.
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
5. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Joseph Scriven wrote the words in 1855 to comfort his mother who was back in Ireland while he was in Canada. It’s a tender hymn about not having to carry your burdens alone. Lovely for a service where you want comfort as the main feeling.
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
6. Rock of Ages
One of the oldest on this list, written by Augustus Toplady in 1763. It’s all about shelter and refuge and the idea of hiding yourself in something solid. It feels steady and that can comfort people at a funeral.
Let me hide myself in thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy wounded side which flowed
7. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Isaac Watts wrote this in 1719 and it’s based on Psalm 90. It’s a big hymn about God being constant through every generation while everything else passes away. Often sung at memorials and state funerals because it has that feel of history to it.
Our hope for years to come
Our shelter from the stormy blast
And our eternal home
8. Nearer, My God, to Thee
Sarah Flower Adams wrote this in 1841 and it’s the hymn famously linked to the Titanic. The story goes the band played it as the ship went down. We don’t know if that’s true or not but it’s a beautiful hymn about drawing closer to God even in suffering.
Nearer to thee
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me
9. Lead, Kindly Light
Written in 1833 by John Henry Newman as he was stuck on a becalmed boat in the Mediterranean feeling lost and unwell. It’s about trusting that you’ll be guided one step at a time even when you can’t see the road ahead. Very powerful in a quiet way.
Lead thou me on
The night is dark, and I am far from home
Lead thou me on
10. Just As I Am
A gentle hymn about coming to God exactly as you are with no pretence or cleaning yourself up first. There’s something very honest and humbling about it that works well at a funeral.
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
11. Be Thou My Vision
This one goes way back. Its an old Irish hymn from around the 8th century translated into English in the early 1900s. The melody is the haunting Slane tune. It’s about keeping God at the center of everything and has become a favorite for Irish and Celtic services.
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light
12. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
The words come from a longer poem by John Greenleaf Whittier set to music in 1872. It’s a reflective hymn that asks for peace and stillness. The closing lines about the still small voice of calm are some of the most soothing in any hymnbook.
Forgive our foolish ways
Reclothe us in our rightful mind
In purer lives thy service find
In deeper reverence, praise
Uplifting and Hopeful Funeral Hymns
Not every funeral wants to be heavy. Lots of families want at least one hymn that lifts the mood and celebrates a life rather than mourning it.
These are the ones to use when you want hope and a bit of light. A good tip is to save one of these for the end of the service so people leave on something more uplifting.
13. How Great Thou Art
A worship classic that’s become a funeral favorite too. The English version most people know was translated by Stuart Hine in 1949 from an older Swedish hymn and because that translation is still under copyright I won’t print the words here, but you’ll recognize it the second the organ starts. It’s a soaring hymn about the wonder of creation and it builds to a real lump in the throat chorus. Brilliant for a celebration of life.
14. It Is Well With My Soul
The backstory to this one is amazing. Horatio Spafford wrote this in 1873 after losing his four daughters in a shipwreck. That a man could write words of such peace out of that kind of grief is the whole reason it resonates so much at funerals. It’s about holding onto peace no matter what life throws at you.
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
15. Be Still, My Soul
Originally written in German by Katharina von Schlegel and translated into English in 1855 this is set to the gorgeous Finlandia tune by Sibelius. It’s a hymn about trusting and staying calm while God handles the rest.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change he faithful will remain
16. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Charles Wesley wrote this in 1747 and it’s a rich, joyful hymn about God’s love. Often sung at weddings, but it works beautifully at a funeral too when you want to focus on love rather than loss. Usually paired with the rousing Blaenwern tune.
Joy of heaven, to earth come down
Fix in us thy humble dwelling
All thy faithful mercies crown
17. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
Henry Francis Lyte again, this time from 1834, based on Psalm 103. It’s a hymn that celebrates with praise and thanksgiving. A great choice when you want the service to feel like a tribute and a thank you for a life well lived rather than a mournful goodbye.
To his feet thy tribute bring
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven
Who like me his praise should sing
18. All Things Bright and Beautiful
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote this in 1848 and it’s one most people learned as children. Being so familiar is why it works, especially for the funeral of someone who loved nature or the outdoors.
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all
19. Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer
Also known as Bread of Heaven, with words by William Williams from 1745 set to the magnificent Cwm Rhondda tune. If you’ve ever been to a Welsh rugby match you’ll know the power of this one when a crowd really sings it. It’s about being guided safely through to the other side.
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but thou art mighty
Hold me with thy powerful hand
20. Blessed Assurance
Fanny Crosby, who was blind from infancy, wrote the words in 1873. It’s a warm hymn about the certainty of faith and the hope of heaven. It has a repeated refrain which makes it easy for a congregation to join in.
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood
21. Thine Be the Glory
Set to a triumphant Handel melody this is a hymn of resurrection. It’s about life conquering death, which makes it a hopeful note to end on. If you want a hymn that feels like a celebration this is definitely one to look at.
Endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away
Kept the folded grave clothes where thy body lay
22. Now Thank We All Our God
Martin Rinkart wrote this in Germany in the 1630s remarkably during the horrors of the Thirty Years War. A hymn that was written in the middle of lots of suffering and so carries weight. Good for a a service that is focused on celebrating a life.
With heart and hands and voices
Who wondrous things hath done
In whom his world rejoices
23. Jerusalem
William Blake’s words from 1808 set to music by Hubert Parry in 1916. Technically more of a patriotic hymn but it’s become very popular at British funerals, especially for someone who loved England or had a strong sense of home.
Walk upon England’s mountains green
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen
24. The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
It’s an evening hymn about the day drawing to a close which makes it a fitting metaphor for the end of a life. Reflective and peaceful without being too depressing.
The darkness falls at thy behest
To thee our morning hymns ascended
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest
Modern Funeral Hymns
A few of the more contemporary hymns have become favorites at funerals over the last fifty years or so, especially at Catholic services. Because most of these are still under copyright I’ll describe them rather than print the lyrics but they’re well worth searching out if any sound like a fit.
25. Morning Has Broken
The lyrics were written by Eleanor Farjeon in 1931 and set to an old Gaelic tune. Most people now know it from Cat Stevens’ 1971 recording. It’s a fresh, hopeful hymn about a new day and new beginnings, which makes it a lovely, gentle choice. The words are still copyrighted, so you won’t find them here, but the melody is unmistakable.
26. On Eagle’s Wings
Written by Michael Joncas in 1979 and based on Psalm 91. This is one of the most requested hymns at Catholic funerals in particular. It’s a deeply comforting hymn about being held and lifted up by God in your darkest moments. The refrain about being raised up on eagle’s wings is the part everyone remembers.
27. Here I Am, Lord
Dan Schutte wrote this in 1981 and it’s become a modern standard. It’s a hymn about answering God’s call and saying yes, and it suits the funeral of someone who lived a life of service or faith. Warm, singable and very loved.
28. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
A musical setting of the Prayer of St Francis, arranged by Sebastian Temple in 1967. It’s a beautiful, humble hymn about bringing peace, love and hope where there’s hurt. Often chosen for someone who was kind, giving or community-minded.
29. Lord of All Hopefulness
Jan Struther wrote the words in 1931, set to the lovely Slane tune (the same one as Be Thou My Vision). It walks through the different parts of a day and asks for God’s presence in each, which gives it a gentle, comforting rhythm. A popular modern choice.
30. In the Garden
It’s a personal hymn about walking and talking with God in a quiet garden. It’s a favorite in American funerals especially and a beautiful pick for someone who found peace in their faith.
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
31. Eternal Father, Strong to Save
This is known as the Navy Hymn and was written by William Whiting in 1860. It’s a prayer for those at sea, which makes it the perfect choice for a sailor, a navy veteran or anyone who loved the water.
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep
32. Going Home
The words were written by William Arms Fisher in 1922 and set to the famous Largo from Dvořák’s New World Symphony. It’s a comforting hymn about going home to rest, and has a wonderfully gentle melody. A lovely, peaceful choice.
I’m just going home
Quiet like, some still day
I’m just going home
33. Softly and Tenderly
A more welcoming hymn about being called home with the well known refrain inviting the weary to come. Its more suited to a quieter and more reflective service.
Calling for you and for me
See, on the portals he’s waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
34. Will Your Anchor Hold
Priscilla Owens wrote this in 1882. It uses the image of an anchor holding firm through the storm as a picture of faith that doesn’t waver. It’s a strong and hopeful hymn that’s especially fitting for anyone with a connection to the sea.
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain
How to Choose the Right Funeral Hymn
Over 30 hymns is a lot to pick from. So if you’re struggling to decide this is how I would narrow it down:
Start with the person. Were they devout or fairly relaxed about faith? Did they have a hymn they loved, sang in a choir, always requested at Christmas etc. The hymns that meant something to them while they were alive are always going to be best.
Think about who’ll be singing. A church full of regular churchgoers can handle anything. If it’s a more secular crowd then they will have a harder time with hymns nobody knows.
And having a whole congregation mumbling through an unfamiliar tune is going to be worse than no hymn at all. So when in doubt, pick the familiar ones.
Try to balance the mood too. A common pattern is one reflective hymn early on and one uplifting hymn at the end.
That has people arrive as they’re mourning and leave with a bit of hope. You don’t have to follow that but something that definitely can work.
Check with whoever’s leading the service. The minister, priest or celebrant will usually have suggestions and will know what works with your hymn book and organist. They do this every week so take advantage of their expertise.
Most services have two or three hymns, occasionally four. You really don’t need more than that.
If you’re building the full order of service our guides on how to write a eulogy, eulogy examples and short funeral verses for cards will help you fill in the rest.
Funeral Hymns FAQ
What is the most popular funeral hymn?
Amazing Grace is far and away the most requested funeral hymn. Abide With Me and The Lord’s My Shepherd (Crimond) follow close behind as the next most popular choices.
How many hymns are there at a funeral?
Most funerals have two or three hymns, sometimes four for a longer church service. The usual way it works is one hymn is played near the start, then one in the middle and one to close. Two well chosen hymns are usually more than enough.
What is a good uplifting funeral hymn?
Thine Be the Glory, How Great Thou Art and Praise My Soul the King of Heaven are all uplifting funeral hymns that focus on hope and celebration rather than grief. They work especially well as the final hymn so people leave the service on a brighter note.
Can you have non religious songs at a funeral?
Yes. Hymns are traditional but a lot of services now include secular songs that meant something to the person. If you’re holding the service in a church be sure to check with the minister first as some have guidelines on what can be played.
Who chooses the hymns for a funeral?
Usually the immediate family chooses the hymns. They’ll do it based on any wishes the person left behind. The minister or priest will help make the final selection and make sure the hymns work with the order of service.
