The passing of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time, and hymns can provide a source of comfort and solace for those who are grieving. The best hymns for funerals are those that offer a message of hope, assurance, and the promise of eternal life. The following list of funeral hymns have a way of touching the hearts of those who are mourning, reminding them that their loved one is now in the loving arms of God.
Morning Has Broken
#5
The hymn Morning Has Broken is number five on the list of funeral hymns. The hymn was originally a Scottish folk tune called “Bunessan.” It was later adapted by English author Eleanor Farjeon and was first published in 1931. The hymn speaks of the beauty and wonder of God’s creation, and the joy and gratitude that believers feel
The first verse of the hymn goes as follows:
“Morning has broken like the first morning, Blackbird has spoken like the first bird; Praise for the singing, praise for the morning, Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.”
The hymn goes on to describe the beauty and majesty of God’s creation, and the second verse speaks of the freshness and newness of each day. The third verse speaks of the love and care that God has for His creation, while the final verse speaks of the eternal life that awaits believers in heaven. For believers, this promise of eternal life waiting for them is part of what makes this a perfect funeral hymn.
Amazing Grace
#4
Checking in at number four on our list for the best funeral hymns is Amazing Grace. This hymn is an all time classic, and is widely regarded as one of the best hymns of all time.
It was written by John Newton in 1772. Newton was a former slave trader who had a profound religious conversion while working on a ship during a storm. He became a Christian and later became a minister in the Church of England.
The hymn was inspired by Newton’s own experiences and his belief in the power of God’s grace to save sinners. The lyrics speak of the amazing grace of God that saved a wretch like Newton, who was once lost but now is found. The hymn became popular among Christians and was sung in churches throughout England and America. This classic hymn was an easy selection for our list.
Because He Lives
#3
Because He Lives is a hymn that was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971. The hymn speaks of the hope and assurance that believers have in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life.
The hymn starts off with the first verse:
“God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!”
The hymn goes on to describe the experience of being saved by Christ and the peace and comfort that it brings. The second verse speaks of the challenges and trials of life, while the third verse speaks of the joy and victory that believers have in Christ. The final verse speaks of the eternal life that awaits believers in heaven. This hymn is a comforting reminder to those dealing with the loss of a loved one that they have eternal life waiting for them.
It Is Well With My Savior
#2
Keeping with the theme of assurance, we have the hymn It Is Well With My Savior at number two on our list. This hymn was written by Horatio Spafford in 1873. It speaks of the peace and assurance that believers have in Jesus Christ, even in the midst of trials and sorrows.
For those dealing with the sadness and sorrows of loss in their lives, this is a timely reminder that makes it a great option for a funeral hymn. In particular, the second verse speaks of the trials and losses that Spafford experienced in his own life, including the death of his four daughters in a shipwreck. The third verse speaks of the hope and assurance that believers have in Christ, while the final verse speaks of the eternal life that awaits believers in heaven.
Abide With Me
#1
At number one overall for the top hymn for funerals we have Abide With Me by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847. The hymn speaks of the need for God’s presence and comfort in times of darkness and uncertainty. In particular, it describes the struggles and challenges of life, and the need for God’s presence and guidance.
Its message of the need for God’s presence and comfort in times of darkness and uncertainty has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, offering hope and solace in times of need such as a funeral.
We truly hope you enjoyed our list for the best funeral songs.
