Top 10 Methodist Funeral Hymns

In the Methodist tradition, hymns play a vital role in funeral services, providing spiritual comfort and expressing the communal faith of those gathered to mourn and remember the deceased.

Methodist funeral hymns are carefully chosen to reflect the beliefs and emotions of the congregation, setting a tone of hope and resurrection that is central to the faith.

Selecting Hymns for a Methodist Funeral

Choosing the right hymns for a Methodist funeral can help convey the peace and assurance offered by Christian belief in eternal life. Here are ten hymns that are particularly resonant for Methodist funeral services, known for their deep theological significance and comforting lyrics:

1. "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"

Written by Charles Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement, this hymn is a profound invocation of God’s presence and grace, making it ideal for funerals.

Lyric: "Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven, to earth come down."

2. "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"

Another of Charles Wesley’s contributions, this hymn celebrates the glory of God and is a declaration of faith and hope in the face of death.

Lyric: "O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise."

3. "Amazing Grace"

A staple in Methodist services, this hymn's message of redemption and peace provides comfort and solace to those mourning a loss.

Lyric: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me."

4. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Also by Charles Wesley, this hymn is typically associated with Christmas but its message of joy and the celebration of life make it suitable for funerals as well.

Lyric: "Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the new-born King.'"

5. "And Can It Be That I Should Gain"

Reflecting on the mystery of faith and God’s immense love for humanity, this Charles Wesley hymn is powerful at funerals for its profound awe and gratitude.

Lyric: "And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?"

6. "Blessed Assurance"

This hymn is cherished for its affirming chorus about the certainty of faith and the foretaste of glory divine, offering comfort to believers. When someone dies, it's good to be able to trust in the divine. 

Lyric: "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!"

7. "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"

Often sung in Methodist gatherings, this hymn asks for God’s guidance through the journey of life and beyond, resonating strongly during funeral services. Can also be seen as a good example of funeral music. 

Lyric: "Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land."

8. "It Is Well with My Soul"

Despite its origins outside of the Wesleyan tradition, this hymn’s message of serene trust in God amidst suffering is a profound affirmation for funerals.

Lyric: "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'"

9. "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"

Also by Charles Wesley, this hymn is a deeply personal plea for refuge and protection in Jesus, appropriate for the vulnerability felt at funerals.

Lyric: "Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly."

10. "The Old Rugged Cross"

Emphasising the sacrifice of Christ and the promise of life everlasting, this hymn is a poignant reminder of Christian hope and resurrection. If you cannot pick a hymn you can always ask your funeral director for assistance. 

Lyric: "So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown."