Funeral Hymns

If you are planning a religious service, funeral hymns are a nice additional to incorporate in the funeral program. Funeral hymns often contain words of encouragement and can express our emotions through their lyrics. You can designate an individual or sing the hymns as a collective group.

It is a good idea to include the lyrics of the funeral hymn inside the funeral program. You can put the hymn lyrics as an insert into your program or place it within the program itself. If you are unable to find a soloist, it is perfectly acceptable to play the hymns from a CD or recording. Having musical selections in the funeral service adds a special time for reflection and provides the order of service a variety in its presentation.

Today, you can also find religious themed songs in folk songs, jazz, soul, rock, country and classical music. So if your loved one preferred more contemporary music with religious themes, you aren't limited to just choosing from funeral hymns. The following are the most popular funeral hymns suitable for a funeral service:

Traditionally, music from the classical era that are used for funeral services are the selections that are written in a minor key. Some religious themed classical selections might include any of the following:

"Agnus Dei" is the famous text from the Catholic liturgy
"Choral Evensong for Ascension Day"
"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
"I Know My Redeemer Liveth" by Handel's Messiah
"Pie Jesu" Part of the requiem mass
"Requiem" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Johann Sebastian Bach's organ pieces are often used at funerals and memorial services.
"The Lord's Prayer"
"The Twenty-Third Psalm"

You can find the lyrics and often a sample of the music to these hymns from various sources on the web.