Poems, songs & readings
Christian funeral songs and hymns
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 4 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
If you want Christian songs and hymns for a funeral, this page lists the most-loved choices and shows where each fits in the service. We give titles and where they work best, and leave the lyrics to your hymn book, since most are under copyright.
A Christian funeral usually carries three or four songs - an opening hymn, one or two around the tributes, and a closing hymn of hope. Familiar hymns lift a congregation more than unfamiliar ones.
Choose songs the person loved and the congregation can sing.
Well-loved Christian hymns
- "Amazing Grace" - the most requested funeral hymn worldwide.
- "How Great Thou Art" - powerful and uplifting, good for the close.
- "It Is Well With My Soul" - peace amid grief.
- "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" - comforting and steady.
- "Be Thou My Vision" - a gentle hymn of trust.
- "In Christ Alone" - a modern hymn of hope and resurrection.
Most hymn books carry these, so the congregation can sing along.
Worship and contemporary Christian songs
For a special item by a choir or soloist, or where the family prefers a modern feel:
- "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman.
- "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United.
- "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship.
- "Goodness of God" - a song of gratitude over a life.
- "I Can Only Imagine" - widely used at funerals.
Test any recorded track through the venue's sound system before the day.
Matching songs to the service
- Opening - a familiar, gentle hymn the congregation knows.
- During tributes or reflection - something quieter, perhaps a solo or choir item.
- Closing - a strong hymn of hope and resurrection to send people out with comfort.
- Procession - a walking hymn if you move to the graveside.
Print the first verse of the main hymn in the program so everyone can join in.
Live music or recorded tracks
- A church choir or pianist brings warmth and helps the congregation sing along; most choirs know the well-loved hymns by heart.
- A soloist suits a special item during the reflection or tributes.
- Recorded tracks are perfectly acceptable for modern worship songs or where no musicians are available.
Whichever you choose, test the sound through the venue's system before the service so everything plays clearly on the day.
Frequently asked questions
What are good Christian funeral songs?
Well-loved hymns include "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", "It Is Well With My Soul" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". For a modern feel, "In Christ Alone", "10,000 Reasons" and "Oceans" are widely used.
What is the best closing hymn for a Christian funeral?
A strong hymn of hope and resurrection works best at the close - "How Great Thou Art" or "In Christ Alone" send people out with comfort. "Amazing Grace" is also a fitting and familiar choice for the end of the service.
Can we use modern worship songs at a funeral?
Yes. Songs like "What a Beautiful Name", "Goodness of God" and "I Can Only Imagine" are common at Christian funerals, often as a choir or solo item. Test any recorded track through the venue's sound system beforehand.
How many hymns should a Christian funeral have?
Most services use three or four - an opening hymn, one or two around the tributes, and a closing hymn of hope. A procession hymn can be added if you move to the graveside afterwards.
Should we print the hymn words in the program?
Printing the first verse of the main hymn in the program helps the whole congregation sing along. Be mindful that many modern worship songs are under copyright, so check before reproducing full lyrics in print.
