Spiritual and Inspirational Songs for a Funeral Service

Spiritual, Christian, and Inspirational Songs for a Funeral

Funeral songs and music are intended to honor the deceased and bring comfort to those who are grieving. For many, spiritual and inspirational songs for a funeral service offer exactly that combination. That is particularly true for those who led their lives in a highly spiritual or religious way.

Historically, spiritual songs for funerals were confined to hymns that would be sung primarily during religious services. These days, the variety of available music is much broader and includes subgenres such as contemporary Christian music. In fact, there are many beautiful music selections that have their basis in religious values but are not necessarily “church” songs. These range from traditional gospel or hymns by artists such as Elvis Presley to contemporary songs by artists such as Mercy Me.

For many people choosing a mix of traditional hymns to provide the comfort of familiarity, along with newer music that is uplifting and inspirational is the perfect solution. It is quite acceptable to combine spiritual music with more secular choices. So, the only right way to develop the soundtrack for the funeral you are planning is the way that works best for you or for the deceased.

>> Creating a Celebration of Life

Because there are so many beautiful selections to choose from, we have compiled a list of some of the most widely used inspirational songs for a funeral. For some of the most classic, such as Amazing Grace, there are dozens of versions available. If you are working with a funeral celebrant or funeral home, they can help you find a version that appeals to you.

Amazing Grace–Many Versions Available Ave Maria–Many Versions Available How Great Thou Art –Many Versions Available I Can Only Imagine–Mercy Me I’ll Fly Away–Jim Reeves I’ll See You Again–Westlife Just a Closer Walk With Thee–Five Blind Boys of Alabama
Peace In The Valley–Many Versions Available Remember Me–Mark Schultz (Cover) Rock of Ages–Many Versions Available Save a Place for Me –Matthew West When They Ring the Golden Bells–Many Versions Available Will the Circle be Unbroken–Nitty Gritty Dirt Band With Hope–Steven Curtis Chapman
 

More Popular Spiritual Songs for Funerals 

A Beautiful Life
The Daltons
Hello After Goodbye
Jim Brady
Now Thank We All Our God
Many Versions Available
Abide With Me
Many Versions Available
He’s Walking Her Home
Mark Schultz
Peace Perfect Peace
Many Versions Available
All my Tears
Julie Miller
Homesick
Mercy Me
Precious Memories
Elvis Presley
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Many Versions Available
I Am The Bread of Life
Many Versions Available
Smiling Down
Pillar
Alleluia Sing to Jesus
Many Versions Available
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Many Versions Available
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling
Cynthia Clawson
Be Not Afraid
Many Versions Available
I Need You Now
Smokey Norful
Soon and Very Soon
Many Versions Available
Be Still My Soul
Many Versions Available
I Trust You
James Fortune & FIYA
Stand
Donnie McClurkin
Be Thou My Vision
Many Versions Available
I’ll Meet You in the Morning
Christian Bluegrass
Sweetest Name I Know
Kirk Franklin
Before the Ending of the Day
Many Versions Available
If I Don’t Wake Up
The Williams Brothers
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Gospel Hummingbirds
Beyond the Sunset
Many Versions Available
Immortal Invisible God Only Wise
Many Versions Available
The Battle Is Not Yours
Yolanda Adams
Blow the Wind/Pie Jesu
Jocelyn Pook
In the Garden
Elvis Presley
The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended
Many Versions Available
Bringing in the Sheaves
Jim Hendricks
Jerusalem
Many Versions Available
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Many Versions Available
Closer to You
Mark Schultz
Jesus Lover of my Soul
Many Versions Available
The Line Between The Two by
Mark Harris
Comforter
CeCe Winans
Jesus Promised me a  place over there
Jennifer Hudson
The Old Rugged Cross
Many Versions Available
Cry Out To Jesus
Third Day
Just As I Am
Many Versions Available
There is a Redeemer
Many Versions Available
Dancing With the Angels
Monk and Neagle
Lead Kindly Light
Many Versions Available
Thine Be The Glory
Many Versions Available
Eternal Father Strong To Save
Many Versions Available
Life is Like a Mountain Railroad
The Oak Ridge Boys
To God Be the Glory
Many Versions Available
For All the Saints
Many Versions Available
LifeSong
Hazel Miller and Charles Suggs
Victory in Jesus
Eugene Monroe Bartlett, Sr.
Friends
Michael W. Smith
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Many Versions Available
What a Day That Will Be
Jim Hill
Going Home
Bill & Gloria Gaither
More Than I Can Bear
Many Versions Available
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Many Versions Available
Goodbye for Now
Kathy Troccoli
My New Life Has Begun
Ralph Funaro
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Many Versions Available
He Walks With Me
Many Versions Available
Nearer My God to Thee
Many Versions Available
Where Could I go But to the Lord
Ethna Campbell
Healing
Deniece Williams
Never Would’ve Made It
Marvin Sapp
Whispering Hope
Hayley Westernra
Heaven Song
Phil Wickham
No Weapon
Fred Hammond
Who Am I
Casting Crowns

As with any other music you select, you must follow copyright law when playing Spiritual songs for funerals and the rules for music that is piped in may be different than for that used in a slide show or video. Most funeral homes have arrangements with the top music licensing agencies and can legally provide you with music from the above lists, but be sure to talk with your funeral director to ensure that you can legally use the songs before making your final choices.

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