Scriptures and Hymns

The officiating pastor shapes the order of service in consultation with loved ones and the previously expressed wishes of the deceased. The service is intended to be personal, while praising and thanking God that in life as in death, we are held securely in God’s hands. Family and friends are invited to participate in the service when appropriate.

The following are a selection of particularly appropriate scriptures and hymns for use in the service.

Job 19:23–27 I know that my redeemer lives

Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 For everything there is a season

Isaiah 25:6–9 God will swallow up death forever

Isaiah 40:1–11 Comfort my people

Isaiah 40:28–31 Those who wait for the Lord

Isaiah 43:1–3a, 18–19, 25 When you pass through the waters

Isaiah 44:6–8 I am the first and I am the last

Isaiah 55:1–3, 6–13 Everyone who thirsts

Isaiah 61:1–4, 10–11 The spirit of the Lord is upon me

Isaiah 65:17–25 I create new heavens and a new earth

Lamentations 3:19–26, 31–32 The Lord’s steadfast love

Daniel 12:1–3 Many of those who sleep in the dust shall awake

Joel 2:12–13, 23–24, 26–29 Return to the Lord with all your heart

Psalm 16:5–11 The Lord is my chosen portion

Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd

Psalm 27:1, 4–9a, 13–14 The Lord is my light and my salvation

Psalm 39:4–5, 12 Lord, let me know my end

Psalm 42:1–6a As a deer longs for flowing streams

Psalm 43 Why are you cast down, O my soul

Psalm 46:1–5, 10–11 God is our refuge and strength

Psalm 90:1–10, 12 Lord, you have been our dwelling place

Psalm 91 You who live in the shelter of the Most High

Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul

Psalm 106:1–5 O give thanks to the Lord

Psalm 116:1–9, 15 The Lord has heard my voice

Psalm 118 Open the gates of righteousness

Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills

Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord

Psalm 139:1–12 O Lord, you have searched me and known me

Psalm 145 I will extol you, my God and King

Psalm 146 Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Matthew 5:1–12a The Beatitudes

Luke 23:33, 39–43 Remember me when you come into heaven

John 3:16–21 For God so loved the world

John 11:17–27 I know he will rise again in the resurrection

John 14 Do not let your hearts be troubled

Romans 8:14–25 All led by Spirit of God are sons and daughters

Romans 8:31–35 Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Romans 14:7–9 We do not live to ourselves

1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 35–38, 42–44, 53–58 Where, O death, is your victory?

2 Corinthians 4:16–5:1 A house eternal in the heavens

Philippians 4:4–9 Rejoice in the Lord always

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 God will bring with him those who have died

Revelation 21:1–4, 22–25, 22:3–5 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth

There are many reasons why Christian communities sing. At no time does singing seem more appropriate than when faithful people gather to grieve a death, to give thanks for a life, to remember God’s faithfulness, to question God’s timing, and to affirm the strength of community.

The following hymns, suitable for use at a funeral or memorial service, are found in the Presbyterian Hymnal.

Page numbers are from Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal.

1 Holy, Holy, Holy
4 Holy God, We Praise Your Name
8 Eternal Father, Strong to Save
12 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
14 For the Beauty of the Earth
30 O God, in a Mysterious Way
39 Great is Thy Faithfulness
65 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
236 The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done
269 Lead On, O King Eternal
275 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
326 For All the Saints 436 God of Compassion
450 Be Thou My Vision
611 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
620 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
624 I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art
643 Now Thank We All Our God 649 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
686 God of Our Life
687 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
792 There is a Balm in Gilead
802 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
803 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
806 I’ll Praise My Maker
817 We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight
824 Near to the Heart of God
829 My Faith Looks Up to Thee
833 O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
834 Precious Lord, Take My Hand
836 Abide With Me