20 Funeral Hymns for Times of Grief and Requiem

Funeral services are moments of both mourning and hope. Hymns help express sorrow, honor the memory of loved ones, and lift our eyes toward the promises of eternal life. Below is a list of 20 funeral hymns, each with a short note about its message, drawn from scripture and Christian tradition.

Abide with Me — A prayer for God’s presence in life’s darkest hour.
It Is Well with My Soul — A testimony of peace and trust in God despite grief.
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me — A hymn of refuge and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.
Nearer, My God, to Thee — A song of surrender, often sung as a final prayer.
Be Still, My Soul — Calls the grieving heart to rest in God’s care.
Blessed Assurance — A confident hymn about salvation and eternal security.
Jesus, Lover of My Soul — Plea for Christ’s comfort and shelter in sorrow.
Safe in the Arms of Jesus — A tender hymn of trust that loved ones are secure with Christ.
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Psalm 23) — Comforting reminder of God’s shepherding presence.
Shall We Gather at the River — Hopeful vision of reunion in heaven.
When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder — Anticipation of meeting again in glory.
In the Sweet By and By — Comforting assurance of a heavenly reunion.
I'm Going Home — Gentle song of rest and the believer’s journey to eternity.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus — A reminder that Christ carries our sorrows.
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah — Prayer for God’s leading through life and into eternity.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand — A heartfelt cry for God’s guidance in grief.
He Hideth My Soul — A hymn of safety and rest in the Savior.
Because He Lives — Comfort in the resurrection hope through Christ.
Sweet Hour of Prayer — A hymn that looks forward to eternal communion with God.
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand — A vision of entering the promised land of heaven.

How to Use This List

For traditional services, choose classics like Abide with Me, The Lord’s My Shepherd, or Rock of Ages.
For celebrations of life, use joyful hymns of hope such as In the Sweet By and By or Because He Lives.
For personal reflection, gentler hymns like Going Home or Precious Lord, Take My Hand bring peace and comfort.