Suggested hymns for funerals

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. Its finds all its meaning in the resurrection. From The Hymnal 1982, all Easter hymns may be used. Although an Easter liturgy, this does not mean, however, that music should be limited to Easter hymns. Other hymns that speak of Christian hope are also appropriate:

• A mighty fortress is our God (Psalm 46) -- 687 or 688

• Abide with me: fast falls the eventide -- 662

• All my hope on God is founded -- 665

• Almighty Father, strong to save (Navy hymn) -- 579

• Amazing grace! how sweet the sound -- 671

• For all the saints, who from their labors rest -- 287

• Guide me, O thou great Jehovah -- 690

• How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord -- 636 or 637

• How lovely is thy dwelling place (Psalm 84) -- 517

• I am the bread of life -- 335

• I heard the voice of Jesus say -- 692

• Jerusalem, my happy home -- 620

• Jesus lives! thy terrors now -- 194 or 195

• Just as I am, without one plea -- 693

• Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy -- 482

• Love divine, all loves excelling -- 657

• Loves redeeming work is done -- 188 or 189

• O God, our help in ages past -- 680

• Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation -- 390

• The day thou gravest Lord has ended -- 24

• The King of love my shepherd is (23 Psalm) -- 645 or 646

• The strife is o'er -- 208

• Ye watchers and ye holy ones -- 618

Also consider from Wonder, Love, and Praise: a supplement to the Hymnal 1982:

• I, the Lord of sea and sky -- 812

• You shall cross the barren desert -- 811

• You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord -- 810

If you are not familiar with any of the above hymns, there are several online resources:

• Nethymnal.org with over 10,000 Christian hymns, lyrics, scores, and MIDI files.

• Hymnary.org: A comprehensive index of over 1 million hymn texts, hymn tunes, and hymnals.

• The Hymnal 1982 a searchable version of The Hymnal 1982.

• And, of course, you can put any title in Google search and/or find it on Youtube.com

NOTE: Hymns sung in the liturgy are to be only those authorized by the Episcopal Church, which includes all past hymnals. Secular music is not appropriate to be used during the funeral service itself.