Worship Funeral Songs

About Worship Funeral Songs Funeral Songs

If they raised their hands in church on Sundays, if their Spotify was full of Hillsong and Chris Tomlin, if "worship" was their word—this is their music. Contemporary worship has its own language and its own emotional register. Songs like "10,000 Reasons," "What a Beautiful Name," and "Oceans" aren't hymns in the traditional sense, but for millions of Christians, they're the songs that got them through hard times. At a funeral, that familiarity matters.

Top Worship Funeral Songs Funeral Songs

1.

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

Matt Redman

Encourages thankfulness for a life lived while trusting in divine comfort.

2.

A Song for Mama

Boyz II Men

Honors the sacrifices and endless love that mothers give.

3.

Total Praise

Richard Smallwood

Performed at Aretha Franklin's funeral, it's become a signature gospel funeral song.

4.

Order My Steps

GMWA Women of Worship

Initially rejected before being embraced, the song's journey mirrors how grief transforms into acceptance.

5.

We Fall Down

Donnie McClurkin

The message that we fall short but God is holy brings both humility and hope.

Tips for Choosing Worship Funeral Songs Funeral Songs

Tip 1. Know the difference: worship vs. hymns - Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation are "worship." "Amazing Grace" is a hymn. Different generations, different expectations.

Tip 2. Check if your church allows contemporary worship at funerals - Some traditional churches prefer hymns during the service, with worship songs reserved for receptions.

Tip 3. "10,000 Reasons" and "What a Beautiful Name" are the current standards - They're to modern worship what "Amazing Grace" is to hymns.

Tip 4. Live worship bands change the atmosphere - If the person was active in church worship, having their actual worship team play can be powerful.

Tip 5. Watch for songs that are too upbeat - "Happy Day" might be theologically appropriate but tonally jarring. Match energy to the moment.

Tip 6. Older attendees may not know these songs - If grandma's friends are coming, balance modern worship with traditional hymns they can sing.

Tip 7. Lyrics matter more than you think - Some worship songs are about personal relationship with God; others are about community. Choose what fits.

Complete List of Worship Funeral Songs Funeral Songs

1.

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

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.

2.

A Song for Mama

Boyz II Men

An R&B tribute to mothers and their unconditional love.

Why it's meaningful: Honors the sacrifices and endless love that mothers give.

Best moment: Perfect tribute from children to their mother.

3.

Total Praise

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's funeral, it's become a signature gospel funeral song.

Best moment: Powerful during worship moments or as a solo performance.

4.

Order My Steps

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's path.

Why it's meaningful: Initially rejected before being embraced, the song's journey mirrors how grief transforms into acceptance.

Best moment: Meaningful during worship or reflection time.

5.

We Fall Down

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 we fall short but God is holy brings both humility and hope.

Best moment: Uplifting during worship or as a congregational hymn.

6.

Lead Me Home

Johnny Lang featuring Blind Boys of Alabama

A soulful prayer for guidance on the journey home.

Why it's meaningful: Blends gospel tradition with modern soul to express the longing for eternal rest.

Best moment: Powerful for those with strong faith seeking comfort in spiritual traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Worship Funeral Songs funeral songs appropriate for memorial services?
Worship Funeral Songs funeral songs are chosen for memorial services because they resonate emotionally with mourners. These songs often feature themes of remembrance, comfort, and hope that help people process grief while honoring the deceased's life and legacy.
Can I play Worship Funeral Songs songs during the entire funeral service?
Yes, you can use Worship Funeral Songs songs throughout the service including processional, during the service, and recessional. However, you may want to mix them with other styles to create emotional variety and keep the atmosphere appropriate for different parts of the memorial.
Which Worship Funeral Songs songs are most popular for funerals?
The most popular Worship Funeral Songs funeral songs tend to be those with meaningful lyrics about loss, love, or spiritual peace. Songs that are emotionally resonant, not too fast-paced, and familiar to the congregation work best. Check our curated list above for top recommendations.
Are there any Worship Funeral Songs songs I should avoid at a funeral?
Avoid songs with overly upbeat tempos that seem inappropriate for mourning, or lyrics that might be offensive or divisive. Consider the deceased's preferences and the family's cultural or religious background when selecting songs.
Can we have live Worship Funeral Songs musicians at the funeral?
Yes, live musicians are often very meaningful at funerals. Many venues and funeral homes welcome live performers. You may need to coordinate with the funeral home or place of worship, and consider acoustic arrangements rather than amplified versions for a more intimate atmosphere.
How do I choose between popular and lesser-known Worship Funeral Songs funeral songs?
Both approaches work well. Popular songs help mourners connect emotionally since they may already know them, while lesser-known pieces can feel more personal and unique. Consider mixing both to create a meaningful tribute that feels authentic to who the deceased was.