Funeral Hymns: 40 Christian Hymns For Celebration of Life

Christian funeral hymns offer comfort and joy to grieving funeralgoers. With many hymns to choose from, the family can select favorites of the deceased or ones that will uplift the family. There are Christian hymns representative of all styles of music, the selection can easily be customized.

When planning a Christian funeral, there are many beautiful songs that can be played and sung by those in attendance. Choosing the right music can successfully offer comfort to those in attendance. Whether you want a classic song such as Amazing Grace or prefer contemporary music like Justin Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” there is a lovely option out there for you.

What Is Christian Music?

In most religions music plays an integral role both in worship and in helping people to find comfort when they are struggling. In fact, music was used to worship God in the Bible. In the Old Testament, King David commanded the chiefs to appoint singers who should pay loudly on music instruments to “raise sounds of joy.” (Chronicles 15:16)

Christian music helps people to praise Jesus, as well as showing their devotion. It is music written and sung to express a communal belief about God.

How Should You Choose The Best Songs for an Occasion?

No matter what the occasion, there are beautiful Christian hymns that can convey the feelings you are hoping to find. Whether you are hoping for an uplifting song, such as for a wedding, or a song of comfort to get you through a difficult time such as a loss of a loved one, music is a great way to express yourself.

Choosing the best song for the occasion or event can be as simple as using keywords in addition to the words “Christian songs.” For example, you might put “Christian songs for a memorial service” or “Christian songs for a wedding” in order to narrow and focus your search.

What Songs Do Christians Sing At Funerals?

Typically Christians sing traditional hymns such as How Great Thou Art or Amazing Grace. However, that is not to say that you can’t play other types of music. Sometimes people are simply too choked up to sing along, in which case you can play something beautiful and comforting.

What Is The Most Played Song At A Christian Funeral?

The most popular song played at funerals is Amazing Grace. The song was written in 1772 by John Newton, an English poet and Anglican clergyman. If he were alive today, Newton would quickly tell you that he was a lost soul who made very un-Christian choices in his lifetime. When he underwent a change of heart, he began to rally against some of the terrible things he had done. This is one reason why the beautiful song was born.

Two stanzas that really resonate with Christians are these:

I once was lost,
but now am found,
Was blind
but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

People find comfort in the idea that even the lost can be welcomed into God’s loving embrace when called home. This is likely why it is the most popular choice for funerals.

What Is A Hymn Of Comfort For Funeral?

A hymn of comfort is chosen because it helps those mourning to feel more at ease with the loss they have just experienced. Whether it is a close friend or a family member, it always seems too soon to say goodbye. The right music, whether or not it is a religious funeral, can provide great comfort to all of the mourners who have gathered.

What Are The Most Popular Christian Funeral Songs?

There are many popular funeral hymns and Christian songs that can be used for a funeral service. Here is a very inclusive and diverse list:

1. Amazing Grace by John Newton

2. Our God, Our Help, In Ages Past by William Croft

3. Be Not Afraid by Father Robert Dufford

4. Lord of All Hopefulness by Jan Struther

5. Nearer My God to Thee by Sarah Fuller Flower Adams

6. It Is Well With My Soul by Horatio Gates Spafford

7. The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard

8. Rock of Ages by Augustus Montague Toplady

9. How Great Thou Art by Carl Boberg

10. Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

11. All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Frances Alexander

12. The Lord is My Shepherd by C. Michael Hawn

13. The Day Thou Gavest by Rev John Ellerton

14. Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas O. Chisolm

15. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace by Sebastian Temple

16. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling by Charles Wesley

17. I Need Thee by Annie Hawks and Robert Lowry

18. Abide With Me by Henry Francis Lyte

19. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus by Louisa Stead

20. Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer by William Williams

21. In the Sweet By and By by Sanford Fillmore Bennett

22. I’ll Fly Away by Albert E. Brumley

23. Messiah/You’re Beautiful by Phil Wickham

24. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind by John Greenleaf Whittier

25. Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher

26. Soon and Very Soon by Andre Crouch

27. Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad

28. If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away by Justin Moore

29. Cornerstone by Hillsong

30. I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

31. Going Home by Chris Tomlin

32. One Day When We All Get To Heaven by Matt Redman

33. In Christ Alone My Hope is Found by Adrienne Camp

34. O God Our Help In Ages Past by William Croft

35. My Savior My God by Aaron Shust

36. Psalm 23 (sung by various artists)

37. Dancing in the Sky by Dani and Lizzy

38. You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

39. Footprints in the Sand by Laona Lewis

40. One More Day by Diamond Rio

Are Certain Songs More Popular In Some Denominations?

Although there are some general conventions that are often followed by people of certain denominations, some of those traditions seem to be decreasing. Catholics usually play liturgical music. Baptists, on the other hand, favor songs that actually use the words of scripture within them. Some of the newer churches play more contemporary music like modern Christian rock music.

Whatever type of music you favor for the memorial or funeral service you are planning, there are beautiful options out there.