Funerals are sacred. In the midst of pain, they offer a moment to pause, remember, and reflect. But aside from being a farewell, they are also an opportunity for worship that shouldn’t be overlooked.
A well-crafted funeral worship service gently holds sorrow in one hand and hope in the other. It honors a life well-lived (or even a life lost too soon) while lifting eyes to the eternal promises of God.
Whether you’re a pastor, worship leader, or family member helping to plan, we would like to offer the following call to worship verses for a funeral service, along with scriptures and songs to help create a meaningful, Spirit-led funeral service.
Table of Contents
- Call to Worship Verses for a Funeral Service
- Suggested Funeral Service Order of Worship
- Worship Songs for Funeral Services
- Tips for Planning a Grace-Filled Funeral Service
1. Call to Worship Verses for a Funeral Service
Begin the service by centering hearts on God. A short call to worship can gently shift the room from mourning into sacred space.
Here are a few powerful options:
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… His mercies are new every morning.”
John 11:25–26 – Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
Romans 8:38–39 – “Nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Read these slowly. Allow silence. Let the Spirit do the work of comfort.
2. Suggested Funeral Service Order of Worship
While every service will look a little different depending on the family, church tradition, or context, here’s a flexible format you can adapt:
1. Prelude – Gentle instrumental or recorded music as people arrive
2. Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
3. Congregational Hymn or Worship Song
4. Scripture Reading – Often a Psalm or Gospel passage
5. Eulogy or Personal Tributes
6. Worship Song or Solo
7. Message or Homily – A brief word of comfort and hope
8. Closing Prayer and Benediction
9. Postlude – Reflective instrumental as people exit
Optional Additions: Communion, video slideshow, open sharing time (if kept brief and moderated)
3. Worship Songs for Funeral Services
The right song doesn’t erase grief, but it can hold it with grace. To that end, choose music that reflects the heart of the family and lifts eyes to eternity.
Traditional Hymns:
- “It Is Well with My Soul”
- “Amazing Grace”
- “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
- “Be Still My Soul”
- “How Great Thou Art”
Contemporary Worship Songs:
- “Living Hope” – Phil Wickham
- “In Christ Alone” – Getty & Townend
- “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Hillsong
- “You Raise Me Up” – Josh Groban (often used as a special song)
- “Scars in Heaven” – Casting Crowns
Instrumental Suggestions: Soft piano or string arrangements of familiar hymns
4. Tips for Planning a Grace-Filled Funeral Service
- Keep the tone gentle and hopeful. This isn’t a rally or performance—it’s a place to weep with those who weep, and quietly point to the God who never leaves.
- Include the family. Let them help select songs, scriptures, or speakers if they’re able. Their voice matters.
- Print the order of worship. A simple handout helps guests follow along, especially those unfamiliar with church settings.
- Honor the story. Acknowledge the loss honestly. Avoid clichés. Speak with both reverence and hope.
- End with blessing. Close the service with a benediction or prayer that speaks life and peace over those left behind.
Final Thoughts
Planning a funeral worship service is sacred work. It’s a moment to wrap grief in the arms of grace, and a space to remind people that death isn’t the end. Crucially, it’s an opportunity to remember that we serve a Savior who conquered the grave.
With those thoughts in mind, ask yourself:
- What scriptures speak peace to a heavy heart?
- What songs help us hold both sorrow and hope?
- How can we make this service a true offering of worship?
You don’t have to get it perfect, but it is important to make space for God’s presence; and He will meet you there.
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