Funeral Recessional Hymns
Funeral recessional hymns are an important component of the funeral service. They mark the conclusion and offer a final tribute as the congregation and the casket are led out of the worship space. These hymns typically carry messages of hope, reassurance, and the promise of eternal peace, serving as a comforting send-off for the deceased while providing solace to the grieving family and friends.
Selecting Hymns for a Funeral Recessional
Choosing the proper hymns for the funeral recessional involves finding songs that reflect the beliefs and sentiments of the deceased and their family. Your funeral director can help you pick out the hymns for the funeral recessional.
But also evoke a sense of upliftment and closure for all attendees. Here are ten funeral hymns that are especially appropriate for the recessional, embodying themes of eternal rest, joyous reunion, and divine comfort:
1. "Abide With Me"
Often used for its comforting lyrics and serene melody, this hymn provides a sense of God's continuing presence with the mourners as they leave the service.
Lyric: "Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide."
2. "On Eagle's Wings"
This hymn offers imagery of being lifted up and protected by God, fitting for the conclusion of a funeral service as it imparts a message of divine care and spiritual ascent. The lyrics can be used on a funeral invitation or as a part of a funeral reading.
Lyric: "And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand."
3. "Going Home"
Set to the tune of Dvorak's New World Symphony, this hymn speaks directly to the notion of the soul's journey to its final, peaceful resting place. When someone dies it's always hard to find the right words, this hymn can be a starting point.
Lyric: "Going home, going home, I'm just going home. Quiet-like, some still day, I'm just going home."
4. "Lord of All Hopefulness"
This hymn's gentle request for God's blessing through all times of life, including the moment of parting, makes it a comforting choice for the end of a funeral service.
Lyric: "Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, whose trust, ever child-like, no cares can destroy."
5. "Jerusalem"
With its uplifting music and lyrics that envision a better place, "Jerusalem" is an inspiring choice to end a funeral service on a note of hope and triumph.
Lyric: "And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England's mountains green?"
6. "The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended"
This hymn reflects on the passing of time and God's eternal nature, offering a fitting conclusion to a funeral service with its themes of the close of day and the continuance of God's kingdom.
Lyric: "The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended; the darkness falls at Thy behest."
7. "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
Set to the exuberant music of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, this hymn celebrates the beauty of life and the joy of the divine, suitable for uplifting spirits as people depart.
Lyric: "Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above."
8. "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
This hymn appreciates the creation and can remind mourners of the beauty of life and the world the deceased has left behind, fostering a sense of peace and gratitude.
Lyric: "All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all."
9. "Nearer, My God, to Thee"
Often associated with the sinking of the Titanic, this hymn's themes of closeness to God even in times of great trials provide a poignant end to a funeral service.
Lyric: "Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me."
10. "Great is Thy Faithfulness"
This hymn praises God's unchanging nature and His mercy, providing reassurance and comfort that God's love remains constant and unwavering.
Lyric: "Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with Thee."