Christian
Funeral Songs
Find the perfect Christian funeral songs and hymns to honor your loved one with faith-based music
Christian funeral songs and hymns provide profound comfort through their messages of hope, eternal life, and God's unfailing love. These sacred songs, rooted in biblical truth and centuries of Christian tradition, remind us that death is not the end but a transition to eternal glory. From beloved hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art" to contemporary Christian favorites, these songs offer solace to grieving hearts while celebrating the Christian hope of resurrection and reunion in heaven. Whether your loved one preferred traditional hymns or modern worship songs, these carefully selected Christian funeral songs will honor their faith and provide comfort to all who mourn.
Top Christian Songs
Amazing Grace
Traditional
This beloved hymn speaks of salvation and the journey from loss to grace, offering profound comfort to those grieving.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Mahalia Jackson
Its heartfelt plea for divine guidance through life\\
How Great Thou Art
Traditional Hymn
Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith
Going Up Yonder
Walter Hawkins
A staple in Black Protestant funeral traditions, it focuses on the glorious reunion awaiting believers in heaven during homegoing services.
Soon and Very Soon
Andraé Crouch
Based on Revelation 21:3-4, it speaks of no more crying or dying. Performed at Michael Jackson\\
Complete Collection
Amazing Grace
by Traditional
A timeless hymn of redemption and hope that has comforted mourners for centuries.
Why it's meaningful: This beloved hymn speaks of salvation and the journey from loss to grace, offering profound comfort to those grieving.
Best moment: Often played during the processional or as a closing hymn.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
by Mahalia Jackson
Written by Thomas Dorsey after losing his wife and infant son, this deeply personal hymn has become the quintessential gospel funeral song.
Why it's meaningful: Its heartfelt plea for divine guidance through life\\
Best moment: Perfect for processional or during reflection moments.
How Great Thou Art
by Traditional Hymn
A majestic hymn praising God
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith
Best moment: Powerful as a congregational hymn or solo performance.
Going Up Yonder
by Walter Hawkins
This uplifting anthem celebrates the promise of heaven and eternal life, transforming grief into hope.
Why it's meaningful: A staple in Black Protestant funeral traditions, it focuses on the glorious reunion awaiting believers in heaven during homegoing services.
Best moment: Powerful as a recessional or celebration of life moment.
Soon and Very Soon
by Andraé Crouch
This triumphant song anticipates the joy of seeing Jesus and being reunited with loved ones in heaven.
Why it's meaningful: Based on Revelation 21:3-4, it speaks of no more crying or dying. Performed at Michael Jackson\\
Best moment: Celebratory recessional or closing hymn.
It Is Well With My Soul
by Horatio Spafford
Written as Spafford\\
Why it's meaningful: Despite devastating loss, Spafford declared
Best moment: Powerful testimony of faith during the darkest moments.
I Can Only Imagine
by MercyMe
Written by lead singer Bart Millard about his father\\
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song processes grief through the lens of eventual reunion in God\\
Best moment: Powerful for Christian services, building from quiet contemplation to triumphant hope.
On Eagle
by Michael Joncas
A popular Catholic funeral hymn based on Psalm 91, about God
Why it's meaningful: Speaks of being carried on eagle
Best moment: Often chosen as a recessional or during the final commendation.
In the Garden
by Traditional Hymn
A beloved hymn about walking and talking with Jesus in a peaceful garden setting.
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through its imagery of personal communion with the divine.
Best moment: Often requested by elderly individuals for their own services.
The Old Rugged Cross
by George Bennard
A cherished hymn about sacrifice and salvation, beloved by older generations.
Why it's meaningful: Reflects the deep faith that sustained many through life\\
Best moment: Meaningful for those who held strong religious convictions.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
by Matt Redman
A modern worship song about finding reasons to be grateful even in sorrow.
Why it's meaningful: Encourages thankfulness for a life lived while trusting in divine comfort.
Best moment: Uplifting during Christian services focused on celebration rather than mourning.
Abide With Me
by Traditional Hymn
A beloved hymn asking for divine presence through life\\
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through faith in God\\
Best moment: Traditional evening hymn often requested by the elderly.
Total Praise
by Richard Smallwood
Written while Smallwood cared for his mother with dementia, this powerful song based on Psalm 121 became an anthem of worship and surrender.
Why it's meaningful: Performed at Aretha Franklin\\
Best moment: Powerful during worship moments or as a solo performance.
Order My Steps
by GMWA Women of Worship
This passionate prayer for divine guidance resonates deeply at funerals as families seek comfort in knowing their loved one walked in God\\
Why it's meaningful: Initially rejected before being embraced, the song\\
Best moment: Meaningful during worship or reflection time.
Because He Lives
by Bill and Gloria Gaither
Written during the turbulent late 1960s, this song finds hope in Christ\\
Why it's meaningful: Christ\\
Best moment: Hopeful choice for celebrating resurrection faith.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
by Traditional Hymn
Written by Joseph Scriven to comfort his mother after his fiancée drowned, this hymn emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate friend who bears our sorrows.
Why it's meaningful: Scriven\\
Best moment: Comforting during quiet reflection or congregational singing.
Go Rest High on That Mountain
by Vince Gill
A country gospel song about finding eternal rest after life
Why it's meaningful: Written after personal loss, it authentically captures grief and hope.
Best moment: Powerful choice for country music lovers with faith.
Ave Maria
by Franz Schubert
A classical prayer to Mary that transcends religious boundaries with its beauty.
Why it's meaningful: The melody alone can move hearts, offering comfort through pure beauty.
Best moment: Creates a sacred atmosphere during the service.
Be Not Afraid
by Bob Dufford
A beloved Catholic hymn based on Isaiah 43, offering comfort and hope.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that God is with us through death and into eternal life.
Best moment: Often sung during the entrance or as a closing hymn.
The Lord
by Traditional (Psalm 23)
The beloved Psalm 23 set to music, speaking of God
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through the imagery of God as a caring shepherd.
Best moment: Perfect during the psalm or as a meditation song.
Three Wooden Crosses
by Randy Travis
A story of lives intersecting and the legacy we leave behind.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that our influence lives on through the lives we touch.
Best moment: Meaningful for those who made a difference in their community.
Sissy\\
by Alan Jackson
Written after a tragic loss, finding faith in the midst of grief.
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through faith while acknowledging the pain of sudden loss.
Best moment: Meaningful for unexpected losses and young lives cut short.
We Fall Down
by Donnie McClurkin
This song acknowledges human frailty while celebrating the holiness of God, offering hope to mourners struggling with grief.
Why it's meaningful: The message that
Best moment: Uplifting during worship or as a congregational hymn.
Held
by Natalie Grant
A Christian song processing incomprehensible grief, asking how to praise God when your world falls apart, while finding comfort in being held through the pain.
Why it's meaningful: Honestly addresses the theological struggle of child loss while offering the comfort of divine presence in unbearable moments.
Best moment: For families wrestling with faith and grief after losing a child.
Scars in Heaven
by Casting Crowns
A Christian song asking if there are scars in heaven, processing the bittersweet grief of loss while holding onto hope of reunion.
Why it's meaningful: Beautifully captures the tension of saying goodbye while trusting in eternal hope - acknowledging both the devastation of loss and the comfort of faith.
Best moment: Moving choice for Christian families processing child loss or other profound grief.
Nearer, My God, to Thee
by Traditional Hymn
Solemn hymn often played by jazz bands during the funeral procession, expressing spiritual longing for divine presence.
Why it's meaningful: Combines sacred yearning with jazz tradition, famously rumored to have been played as the Titanic sank.
Best moment: Processional for New Orleans funerals or traditional services.
I Am the Bread of Life
by Suzanne Toolan
A Catholic hymn based on John 6, emphasizing eternal life through Christ.
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.
Best moment: Particularly meaningful during the offertory or communion.
Precious Child
by Karen Taylor-Good
Originally written by Dolly Parton for her nephew who was murdered, this powerful song celebrates every child as precious and irreplaceable.
Why it's meaningful: Acknowledges the specific, devastating grief of losing a child while honoring their unique light and impact on your life.
Best moment: Deeply moving choice for celebrating your child\\
I Will Carry You
by Selah
A Christian song about God carrying grieving parents through the unbearable pain of losing a child, offering comfort in faith.
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song acknowledges that some losses are too heavy to bear alone and offers divine comfort and strength.
Best moment: Tender choice for Christian services honoring a child or infant loss.
Hello, Good-Bye
by Michael W. Smith
Written for friends who lost their infant son, this gentle song acknowledges the brief hello before the devastating goodbye, with hope of reunion in heaven.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks directly to parents who barely got to know their child before losing them, honoring even the shortest lives as infinitely meaningful.
Best moment: Especially meaningful for infant loss or short lives.
Selection Guide
Tip 1
Choose hymns that were meaningful to your loved one's faith journey and personal relationship with God.
Tip 2
Consider including congregation participation with familiar hymns like 'Amazing Grace' or 'How Great Thou Art'.
Tip 3
Balance traditional hymns with contemporary Christian songs to appeal to all generations attending.
Tip 4
Select songs that emphasize hope, resurrection, and eternal life rather than focusing solely on grief.
Tip 5
Include scripture-based songs that reflect biblical promises of comfort and reunion in heaven.
Tip 6
Consider the service setting - some hymns work better with organ accompaniment while others suit modern arrangements.
Tip 7
Choose songs that celebrate the deceased's Christian legacy and witness to others.
Common Questions
What makes christian music appropriate for funerals?
Christian funeral songs offer hope through faith, promising reunion in heaven and celebrating eternal life. They provide comfort through familiar scripture and beloved hymns that have sustained believers through grief for generations.
How many christian songs should I include in the service?
Most services include 2-3 christian songs, balanced with other genres if desired. Consider one for the processional, one during reflection, and one for the recessional. The key is choosing songs that genuinely reflect your loved one's preferences.
Can I mix christian songs with other genres?
Absolutely. Many meaningful services blend different musical styles to create a well-rounded tribute. Combining christian songs with other genres can appeal to diverse attendees while honoring different aspects of your loved one's life.
Should I choose popular christian songs or personal favorites?
Both approaches work well. Popular christian funeral songs are beloved because they resonate universally, while personal favorites add unique meaning. Consider your loved one's preferences and what will bring the most comfort to those attending.
Final Thoughts
Choosing christian funeral songs is a deeply personal way to honor your loved one's memory. Whether you select time-honored classics or contemporary favorites, the right music can provide immense comfort and help celebrate a life well-lived.
Trust your instincts and choose songs that feel right for your family and the person you're remembering. The perfect christian funeral songs are those that bring peace, celebrate precious memories, and honor the unique individual you've lost.
Related Categories
Songs for Loved Ones
Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.