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Funerals are occasions to sing the great music of the church that witness to the Lord of life. Secular music is not appropriate for worship, but could be played at the funeral home visitation or other setting. The pastor will help you determine if a song is appropriate for music or not, but a guiding question to ask is, "Does this music give glory to God and witness to our hope in Jesus Christ?"
Congregational Hymns – Hymns that the congregation sings are strongly encouraged. Singing involves the congregation and allows everyone to give expression to the faith we hold. It is usually wise to select hymns that are both singable and more commonly known. Typically, three hymns are sufficient. Listed below are hymns that you might consider. All are from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the worship book at First Lutheran Church.
Abide with Me No. 629
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound No. 779
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God No. 504
Beautiful Savior No. 838
Behold the Host Arrayed in White No. 425
Beneath the Cross of Jesus No. 338
Blessed Assurance No. 638
Blest Be the Tie That Binds No. 656
Children of the Heavenly Father No. 781
For All the Saints No. 422
For All Your Saints, O Lord No. 427
Great Is Thy Faithfulness No. 733
Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer No. 618
How Firm a Foundation No. 796
How Great Thou Art No. 856
I Know That My Redeemer Lives! No. 619
I Love to Tell the Story No. 661
In the Cross of Christ I Glory No. 324
It Is Well with My Soul No. 785
Jerusalem, My Happy Home No. 628
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today No. 365
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross No. 335
Jesus Loves Me! No. 595
Just As I Am, without One Plea No. 592
Lift High the Cross No. 660
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling No. 631
My Faith Looks Up to Thee No. 759
My God, How Wonderful Thou Art No. 863
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less No. 597
My Life Flows on in Endless Song No. 763
Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds No. 367
Now the Green Blade Rises No. 379
O Christ, Our Hope No. 604
O Day Full of Grace No. 627
O God, Our Help in Ages Past No. 632
Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand No. 441
O Jesus, I Have Promised No. 810
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me No. 623
Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us No. 789
Shall We Gather At the River No. 423
Soon and Very Soon No. 39
The King of Love My Shepherd Is No. 502
The Lord’s My Shepherd No. 778
Thine Is the Glory No. 376
What a Friend We Have in Jesus No. 742
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Other Music – Soloists or instrumentalists are frequently part of praising God at funerals or memorial services. The church usually arranges for these skilled musicians. While it is acceptable to have a friend or relative provide such music, they should have the music abilities necessary and the emotional strength to sing or play at a time when they may be grieving. Music in addition to congregational hymns is optional and family members should not feel obligated to arrange for it.
Again, only music that reflects our trust in Christ is appropriate at a funeral. One or two anthems are usually done. Below are possible anthems to assist you in communicating preferences to your family. Many congregational hymns can also be done as anthems; if a number is listed after the title, it can be found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
Behold the host Arrayed in White No. 425
Borning Cry No. 732
Drawn to the Light No. 593
Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ No. 402
God Be with You Till We Meet Again
Give Me Jesus No. 770
He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought
If with All Your Hearts (Elijah) – Mendelssohn
I Lift My Eyes to the Hills – Keesecker
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach (Instru.)
Just a Closer Walk with Thee No. 697
Lamb of God No. 336
Nunc Dimitis Pg. 113
On Eagle’s Wings No. 787
O Rest in the Lord (Elijah) - Mendelssohn
Precious Lord, Take My Hand No. 773
Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach (Instru.)
Shepherd Me, O God No. 780
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling No. 608
The Old Rugged Cross
Thine Is the Glory No. 376
Thy Holy Wings No. 613
You Are Mine No. 581 |
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