When I started to record hymns from non-English hymnals, the need for the cross-reference became more important, as my predominately English site was difficult for them to use. However, looking up the hymn number in their hymnal made the task easier for them, as I have made the link from the hymn number to the possible suitable recordings for. The 35 Best Wedding Hymns For a Church Ceremony. Here, we’ve chosen 35 of the nation’s favourite hymns that are ideal for weddings. Give them a listen and see which ones feel right for your service- remember there are different arrangements for many of these so your worship musicians may be able to play them faster or slower.
Christians often opt to include hymns in funeral services for their loved ones. Funeral hymns are usually older songs steeped in tradition and religious faith.
Church Hymns: Lyrics, Tabs, Chords, & Sheet Music Church hymns - lyrics, sheet music, guitar chords and tabs for your worship group or Sunday School class, all in one place! I've just gotten started on music for this page, but eventually there will be arrangements for many old standards as well as hymns you may never have heard before! In 1764, after his ordination in the Church of England, John Newton, the ex-slave trader, was sent to the village of Olney. He conducted Anglican services in the parish church and began a weekday service for children in which he taught Bible lessons and led the singing of hymns. Three years after Newton arrived, poet William Cowper moved to Olney.
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Selecting the proper hymn can help you pay tribute to a deceased friend or family member. Consider the hymns your deceased loved one connected with and enjoyed. Doing so can bring you comfort as you lay your loved one to rest.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most well-loved funeral hymns of all time so you can plan your loved one’s funeral.
COVID-19 tip: If you're planning a virtual or online funeral using a service like GatheringUs, you can still play hymns for online funeral guests. Talk with your funeral director or event planner and make sure you have the correct digital files or microphones in place.
Share your final wishes, just in case.
Create a free Cake end-of-life planning profile and instantly share your health, legal, funeral, and legacy decisions with a loved one.
Funeral Hymns for Dad
Are you faced with the heartbreaking task of burying your father? Try to pick a hymn he loved. If you don’t know his favorites, consider hymns that remind you of his values and character.
1. 'Abide with Me'
Fathers are often cast as strong, silent protectors of a family. This hymn casts God as a father figure who can guide your own father in death as he did for you during his life.
2. 'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind'
There’s a nice symmetry in selecting a hymn that specifically invokes the heavenly father.
3. 'Lord of the Dance'
Was your father a warm, jovial type? This joyous hymn is fitting. Writer Sydney Carter based the hymn on 18th century Shakers.
Funeral Hymns for Mom
The hymn you select for your mother will come down to the message you want to convey about the person she was. These hymns cover a range of occasions.
4. 'Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise'
Many of us look to our mothers as a source of unceasing love and wisdom. This hymn reminds us to look for those qualities in God.
5. 'The Lord is My Shepherd'
This simple Psalm 23 simple musical arrangement is a go-to funeral hymn. Its lyrics prove that still waters run deep.
6. 'I Watch the Sunrise'
You may draw comfort from imagining that your mother is still looking down on you. This sweet John Glynn hymn perfectly encapsulates that hope.
Baptist Funeral Hymns
One common link among all Baptists is the belief that people who have faith in Jesus will join him in heaven. Baptist hymns typically reflect this message.
7. 'Amazing Grace'
This hymn was written in the 1770s and is one of the world’s most iconic funeral hymns. Its uplifting message can leave mourners feeling hopeful.
8. 'It is Well With My Soul'
This devout hymn was written by Horatio Gates Spafford after he lost all four of his daughters in a tragic shipwreck. This hymn conveys a strong and unshakeable faith.
9. 'I Need Thee Every Hour'
This Baptist hymn, which dates back to the 19th century, showcases an unabashed devotion to God.
Check out our picks for the best gospel funeral songs if you're looking for more recommendations.
Episcopal Funeral Hymns
The Episcopal Church in the United States consists of millions of members from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. Many of the hymns sung in Episcopal churches are also shared with other denominations.
10. 'The Servant King'
This powerful hymn is versatile enough to be played at various types of religious services. It is also equally at home in many different Christian denominations.
11. 'Morning Has Broken”
Cat Stevens gave this hymn, originally written in 1931, an updated folk twist 40 years later. Either version is a lovely choice for an uplifting funeral song. It focuses on a new day’s dawning.
12. 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'
This Victorian-era hymn gives thanks for all of God’s creations. It’s another hymn that may give mourners comfort.
Looking for more Episcopal funeral customs? Read our guide on Episcopal (Anglican) funerals.
Lutheran Funeral Hymns
Lutheran funeral services are a bit more formal than some other religious denominations. They also incorporate readings from both the Old and New Testaments.
13. 'How Great Thou Art'
This popular hymn celebrates God. It’s a fitting choice for someone who showered others with praise but avoided receiving praise for himself or herself.
14. 'Great is Thy Faithfulness'
This hymn can be used across denominations. This hymn is especially at home at a Lutheran service because it stems from the Old Testament Book of Lamentations.
15. '’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus'
This hymn acknowledges that hard times exist and that we may have trouble weathering the storm. It’s also a great reminder that there are people you can lean on to give you strength when you are frustrated and grieving.
Methodist Funeral Hymns
Mortal life is a gift from God, according to Methodist beliefs. The end of mortal life means you must embark on eternal life. The hymns played at Methodist funerals often have a positive and uplifting bent.
16. 'Love Divine, All Loves Excelling'
This hymn was one of over 6,000 hymns written by Charles Wesley, a leader of the Methodist movement in England.
17. 'Blessed Assurance”
This hymn was penned by teacher Francis Jane Crosby in the 1800s. It’s now a standard in the United Methodist hymnal.
18. 'The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended'
This is another Victorian-era hymn. Its message is about trusting God to lead you through the darkest night into the light of a new day.
Military Funeral Hymns
Military funerals often have rituals you won’t find in civilian funerals. Certain hymns are geared toward service members.
19. 'Eternal Father, Strong to Save'
This hymn was originally associated with British seafarers but was soon adopted by the U.S. Navy. Various branches of the armed services in the U.K. and the U.S. have adopted variations of this song. It’s a safe choice for most military members.
20. 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic'
This abolitionist hymn rose to prominence during the Civil War. It has been played at several high-profile funerals. It was one of Winston Churchill’s favorite hymns, and it was played at his funeral. It was more recently played at the funeral of George H.W. Bush. It’s frequently played at military funerals.
21. 'Make Me a Channel of Your Peace'
This hymn, based on the anonymous Prayer of St. Francis, was first set to music in 1967. It’s the official anthem of the Royal British Legion, so it’s appropriate to play for a deceased member of the British Armed Forces.
Upbeat Funeral Hymns
Many people think funerals must be completely grim and tragic. But religious people often find comfort and joy imagining their loved ones ascending to heaven. Many funeral hymns have a distinctly positive message.
22. 'Lord of All Hopefulness'
This lilting hymn is set to the tune of an old Irish folk song. It’s sung at weddings as well as funerals, which demonstrates its versatility and uplifting message.
23. 'Shine, Jesus, Shine'
This modern hymn is an unabashedly joyful praise song. Even so, the hymn remains eminently funeral-appropriate.
24. 'Death is Only a Dream'
This peaceful hymn encourages mourners to take comfort knowing the deceased is at peace in the arms of the Lord.
Old Funeral Hymns
Some hymns are only decades old and others have been around for centuries. These deeply-rooted hymns connect the deceased to the history of their faith.
25. 'Be Thou My Vision'
This Irish hymn may be the oldest tune on our list — it dates back to the 8th century. You’ll be able to find plenty of modern interpretations as well.
26. 'Our God, Our Help in Ages Past'
This hymn, inspired by Psalm 90, was penned by Isaac Watts in 1708. It reminds us that this moment in time is fleeting compared to what has happened and what is yet to come.
27. 'Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me'
Augustus Toplady wrote this praise and worship hymn in 1775. His autobiographical experience, about taking shelter from a storm, became a treasured metaphor.
Non-Traditional Funeral Hymns
Some hymns can’t be neatly categorized, but they still deserve consideration. Here are a few funeral hymn suggestions that are slightly outside the box.
28. 'Jerusalem'
Poet William Blake rejected conventional religion and orthodox Christianity during his lifetime. He cobbled together his own version of philosophy and mythology. His poem, Jerusalem, is a widely-used funeral hymn.
29. 'Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer'
This hymn is so commonly sung at rugby matches that it’s been dubbed the “Welsh Rugby Hymn.” Playing something like this could be a nod to your dad if he was a sports fan.
30. 'Old Rugged Cross'
As you listen to religious and spiritual funeral songs, you’ll notice that they have been reinterpreted many times over the years. Sometimes playing a more modern take on a traditional funeral hymn adds some character to a funeral ceremony. Alan Jackson’s country touch on an old evangelical standard offers a different take on a potential funeral hymn.
Choose from these 30 Hymns as You Plan a Funeral
Music can be an integral part of the healing process. It helps you access and process your emotions and it serves as a connection between you and your deceased loved one. Put some thought into picking out the perfect funeral songs. We hope this guide helps you select the perfect hymn as you plan the funeral service for your loved one.
If you're looking for more music recommendations, check out our guides to the best funeral songs, funeral songs for mom, and funeral songs for dad.
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