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After losing a loved one, it can be tough to find the right words to express what you feel. Playing a Christian funeral song for friends and family of the bereaved can be a beautiful way to honor a loved one while bringing people together in such a difficult time. Christian funeral music has a special way of putting emotion, words and faith together to help those who are grieving celebrate a loved one’s life and a devotion to God.
Christian funeral music may have been composed of funeral hymns historically, but today, there is a variety of music to choose from across many sub-genres, including contemporary Christian funeral music, country funeral songs, and gospel funeral songs. No matter what you're looking for, there are countless religious funeral songs that can be used to help commemorate a loved one.
As with every other aspect of a funeral service, it’s best to find a funeral song that feels personal to the bereaved, friends, and family. That being said, when it comes to Christian music, there are many songs to choose from that can make for the right mood for a funeral service.
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Here are 35 of the most popular Christian funeral songs that you can use for a memorial service:
35. "With Hope” by Steven Curtis Chapman
"With Hope" by Steven Curtis Chapman is a deeply moving funeral song that offers a message of hope and comfort in the face of loss. The lyrics acknowledge the pain of parting while emphasizing the hope of reunion in the afterlife. Its soothing melody and heartfelt expression of faith make it a comforting choice for honoring a loved one and providing solace to the bereaved.
34. "Stand by Pastor" Donnie McClurkin
"Stand" by Pastor Donnie McClurkin is an inspiring song for a funeral, conveying a message of resilience and faith amidst trials and grief. The lyrics encourage listeners to remain steadfast and trust in God's strength, offering a powerful reminder of His presence during difficult times. The song's stirring melody and motivational words provide comfort and support to those mourning a loss.
33. "Victory in Jesus" by Eugene M. Bartlett
"Victory in Jesus" by Eugene M. Bartlett is a fitting funeral song due to its triumphant and hopeful message of salvation and eternal life. The song celebrates the victory over death through faith in Jesus Christ, offering reassurance and joy even in times of sorrow. Its upbeat melody and confident lyrics can bring a sense of celebration and gratitude for the life of the deceased.
32. "Scars in Heaven" by Casting Crowns
"Scars in Heaven" by Casting Crowns is a poignant and touching funeral song that addresses the pain of loss with a message of hope. The lyrics reflect on the absence felt by the living while reminding listeners of the peace and wholeness found in heaven. Its gentle melody and heartfelt delivery provide comfort, making it a meaningful way to honor a loved one's memory and offer solace to the grieving.
31. "You Raise Me Up" by Brendan Graham
"You Raise Me Up" by Brendan Graham is a moving song suitable for a funeral due to its themes of support, strength, and transcendence. The lyrics express how love and faith can lift us up during times of sorrow, providing comfort and encouragement. The powerful vocals and emotive music make it a heartfelt tribute that honors the deceased while offering hope and solace to those mourning.
30. "Because He Lives” by Bill Gaither
"Because He Lives" by Bill Gaither is a powerful choice for a funeral, offering profound comfort through its message of faith and resurrection. The song emphasizes the hope and assurance found in the resurrection of Jesus, which can bring solace to those grieving by reminding them of the promise of eternal life. Its uplifting melody and reassuring lyrics help to instill a sense of peace and confidence in the face of loss.
29. "On Eagle's Wings" by Michael Joncas
"On Eagle's Wings" by Michael Joncas is an ideal funeral song due to its inspirational and comforting message drawn from biblical scripture. The lyrics assure listeners of God's protection and the promise of eternal life, likening the departed's ascent to being lifted on eagle's wings. The song's soothing melody and spiritual reassurance make it a source of strength and hope for those mourning a loss.
28. "Dancing with the Angels" by Monk & Neagle
"Dancing with the Angels" by Monk & Neagle is a wonderful song for a funeral or memorial service because it offers a serene and uplifting depiction of the afterlife. Its lyrics speak to the joy and freedom experienced by the departed as they dance with angels, providing a comforting image for those left behind. The song's gentle melody and positive message can help to celebrate the life of the deceased while offering solace to the grieving.
27. "Save a Place for Me" by Matthew West
"Save a Place for Me" by Matthew West is a poignant and fitting song for a funeral because its heartfelt lyrics speak directly to the feelings of loss and longing while offering a message of hope and reunion in the afterlife. The song's theme of keeping a place in heaven for loved ones left behind provides comfort and reassurance, making it a beautiful tribute to someone who has passed away. Its gentle melody and sincere delivery further enhance its emotional resonance, helping to bring solace to those grieving.
26. "Heaven Song" by Phil Wickman
Phil Wickman's Heaven Song is a good choice for a funeral because its lyrics convey a comforting vision of peace and reunion in heaven, offering hope and solace to those mourning the loss of a loved one.
25. “Homesick” by MercyMe
This song by popular Christian band MercyMe was released in 2004. MercyMe sings, "I close my eyes and I see your face / If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place / Lord, won't you give me strength / To make it through somehow / I've never been more homesick than now".
24. “In Christ Alone” by Natalie Grant
The first verse of this Christian funeral song starts, "In Christ alone my hope is found / He is my light, my strength, my song / This Cornerstone, this solid ground / Firm through the fiercest drought and storm / What heights of love, what depths of peace / When fears are stilled, when strivings cease / My Comforter, my All in All / Here in the love of Christ I stand".
23. “What a Day That Will Be” by Jim Hill
Jim Hill sings, "What a day that will be / When my Jesus I shall see / When I look upon his face / The one who saved me by his grace (but when he) / When he takes me by the hand (takes me by the hand) / And leads me through the Promised Land / What a day, glorious day that will be".
22. “No More Night” by David Phelps
This song is about living in the light of the Lord and the peace that all will feel at the end of a long journey. The chorus starts with "No more night, no more pain / No more tears, never crying again / And praises to the great, "I am" / We will live in the light of the risen Lamb".
21. “Cry Out To Jesus” by Third Day
Released by Third Day in 2005, this song is about Jesus's forgiveness and his ability to heal those who are burdened. The chorus starts with, "There is hope for the helpless / Rest for the weary / And love for the broken heart / And there is grace and forgiveness / Mercy and healing / He'll meet you wherever you are".
20. “I’ll See You Again” by Westlife
I'll see you again was released by Irish pop band Westlife in 2009. The band's lead singer has discussed his strong Christian faith, and some of this comes through in the songs lyrics. The chorus starts with, "I'll see you again / You never really left / I feel you walk beside me I know I'll see you again".
19. “It Is Not Death to Die” by Sovereign Grace
The song "It Is Not Death to Die" ends with the lines, "It is not death to hear / The key unlock the door / That sets us free from mortal years / To praise You evermore." For many Christians, the reminder that their loved one is now forever with Jesus adds comfort, making this a popular Christian funeral song.
18. “I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin
The song "I Will Rise" encourages Christian singers to look inward at their own lives and mortality and remember that they will be going home to God. The chorus sings, "And I will rise when He calls my name / No more sorrow, no more pain / I will rise on eagles' wings / Before my God fall on my knees / And rise / I will rise."
17. “Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis
"Three Wooden Crosses" is a country song that tells the stories of four people on a bus that's involved in crash. When three of them die in the crash, Randy Travis sings about the impact that each left on the world. The fourth, a prostitute who survives, goes on to spread the word of Jesus and raises her son her son to be a preacher. The chorus reminds us, "It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you / It's what you leave behind you when you go."
16. “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill
"Go Rest High On That Mountain" is a favorite Christian funeral song, especially for those who had a difficult life or their own internal struggles before passing. The song begins with the lines, "I know your life / On earth was troubled / And only you could know the pain." The chorus provides a comforting sort of release, leaving the singer and listeners with, "Go rest high on that mountain / Son, your work on earth is done / Go to heaven a-shoutin' / Love for the Father and the Son."
15. “Angels Among Us” by Alabama
The popular 80's country rock band, Alabama, wrote the Christian song, "Angels Among Us," describing the ways that angels continue to help guide us through difficult times. Lyrics like, "Oh, I believe there are Angels Among Us / Sent down to us from somewhere up above / They come to you and me in our darkest hours / To show us how to live / To teach us how to give / To guide us with a light of love." Many Christians feel comfort in the idea that their deceased loved ones will continue to be there and help guide them through life.
14. “On My Way Home” by The Booth Brothers
The song, "On My Way Home" reminds Christians that everyone is just passing through this word on their way home to God. The chorus sings, "I’m only passin’ through on my way Home / Heaven is the place where I belong / More than just a feeling or a dream / A land beyond the stars is calling me / When the Savior comes for me, I’ll go / To live forever, finally at Home."
13. “Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart
Unlike a few of the previous religious funeral songs listed, "Jealous of the Angels" acknowledges the true sadness and loss we feel when a loved one passes away, but at the same time, it reminds Christians that God has a plan: "God must need another angel / Around the throne tonight / Your love lives on inside of me / And I will hold on tight / It's not my place to questionOnly God knows why / I'm just jealous of the angels / Around the throne tonight"
12. “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
"Dancing in the Sky" is a favorite Christian funeral song among those who want to focus on their loved one being in a better place. The chorus sings, "I hope you're dancing in the sky / And I hope you're singing in the angels' choir / And I hope the angels know what they have / I'll bet it's so nice up in heaven since you've arrived."
11. “Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There” by Jennifer Hudson
American Idol singer, Jennifer Hudson, is behind the gospel funeral song, "Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There." It reminds Christians that their loved one is going home to Jesus, where there is no more suffering: "Jesus He promised me a home over there / Jesus promised me a home over there / No more sickness, sorrow, pain, care / He promised me a home over there."
10. “If Heaven” by Andy Griggs
The song "If Heaven" by Andy Griggs focuses on the beauty of Heaven. After lines like "If heaven was an hour, it would be twilight / When the fireflies start their dancin on the lawn / And suppers on the stove, and mammas laughin / And everybody's workin day is done," he sings "If that's what heavens made of / You know what I ain't afraid to die."
9. “Knowing What I Know About Heaven” by Guy Penrod & Sarah Darling
When Sarah Darling shared the Christian song on her Facebook page, she wrote, '"Knowing What I Know About Heaven" is a song of faith and inspiration which is dedicated to my Grandpa. I wrote it about him several years ago. It has touched so many lives of those who have lost loved ones - or are dealing with terminal illness.'
8. “Stand” by Pastor Donnie McClurkin
While not specifically focused on death or heaven, "Stand" talks about letting the Lord help you through difficult times, something that can be very impactful after the loss of a loved one. One line sings, "When you've given your all and it seems like you can't make it through / Well you just stand when there's nothing left to do / You just stand watch the Lord see you through / Yes after you've done all you can, you just stand."
7. “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley
Country music star, Brad Paisley, sings "When I Get Where I'm Going" about what Heaven will be like. Thoughts like these can bring comfort during a funeral: "When I get where I'm going / There'll be only happy tears / I will shed the sins and struggles / I have carried all these years / And I'll leave my heart wide open / I will love and have no fear / Yeah, when I get where I'm going / Don't cry for me down here."
6. “When I’m Gone” by Joey+Rory
"When I'm Gone" is about the hard times that almost everyone experiences after losing a loved one, but it reminds the listeners that, in spite of the pain, they will be okay. The funeral song ends with, "And even though you love me still / You will know where you belong / Just give it time, we'll both be fine / When I'm gone."
5. “How Great Thou Art” by Alan Jackson
Another Christian funeral song by a country music star, "How Great Thou Art focuses on the greatness of God. He sings, "When Christ shall come / With shouts of adulation / And take me home / What joy shall fill my heart / Then I shall bow / In humble adoration."
4. “Heaven’s Now My Home” by Libby Allen
"Heaven's Now My Home" is sung from the perspective of someone who has passed away, reminding the listening that God needed her and she is no longer suffering, making it a comforting funeral song. The song starts with the lines, "I am sorry that I left you / I know you feel alone / God told me that He needed me / He called me to come home."
3. “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” by Justin Moore
In "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" Justin Moore sings about all the things he would do with he's deceased loved ones if he could visit them in Heaven. The song ends with, "Losing them wouldn't be so hard to take / If heaven wasn't so far away"
2. “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson
"Amazing Grace" is one of the more recognizable funeral songs, and it can be a great pick, especially if you want attendees to be able to sing along with it. Alan Jackson does a wonderful rendition.
1. “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton
"Broken Halos" is a beautiful Christian funeral song that remind us that angels cannot stay with us forever. In one line, Christ Stapleton sings, "Angels come down from the heavens / Just to help us on our way / Come to teach us, then they leave us And they find some other soul to save"
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Funeral songs
Last updated May 25, 2024
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