By The Tribute Plan Editorial Team · Reviewed June 2026
Christian funeral music offers comfort rooted in faith — the promise of resurrection, reunion, and a peace that endures beyond death. Whether your family prefers timeless hymns or contemporary worship, the songs below span both: "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," and "It Is Well with My Soul" alongside modern favorites like MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine" and Chris Tomlin's "I Will Rise."
Many services pair a familiar hymn the congregation can sing together with a contemporary song for reflection or a slideshow. If your church follows a particular tradition, you can also filter by denomination to find hymns that fit.
Preview any song below and add your favorites to a complete service playlist with our free Funeral Songs Picker. You can save it, share it with family, and print an order of service for your pastor or musician.
Amazing Grace — Traditional (1779) · 4:10 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. The most-requested funeral hymn; near-universally known and easy for any congregation to sing.
Go Rest High on That Mountain — Vince Gill (1995) · 5:27 · Country, Sorrowful, 80s–90s. Written by Gill after losing his brother; arguably the definitive country funeral song.
How Great Thou Art — Traditional (1885) · 4:05 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A soaring hymn of awe; a frequent closing song that lifts the room.
I Can Only Imagine — MercyMe (1999) · 4:49 · Christian, Hopeful, 2000s. Contemporary Christian standard imagining the moment of meeting God; a slideshow favorite.
You Raise Me Up — Josh Groban (2003) · 4:02 · Classical, Hopeful, 2000s. Crosses the line between sacred and secular; a frequent slideshow and tribute choice.
On Eagle's Wings — Michael Joncas (1979) · 4:30 · Christian, Hopeful, 60s–70s. A cornerstone of the Catholic funeral Mass; its refrain promises being held and raised up.
Ave Maria — Franz Schubert (1825) · 5:20 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A reverent classical setting often sung during communion or reflection at Catholic services.
It Is Well with My Soul — Traditional (1876) · 4:00 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Written in grief, its refrain of peace amid loss speaks directly to mourners.
I'll Fly Away — Albert E. Brumley (1929) · 2:45 · Gospel, Uplifting, Pre-1960s. A joyful, up-tempo send-off; popular at celebration-of-life recessionals.
How Great Is Our God — Chris Tomlin (2004) · 4:28 · Christian, Uplifting, 2000s. A modern worship anthem for congregations that prefer contemporary praise.
Take My Hand, Precious Lord — Thomas A. Dorsey (1932) · 4:20 · Gospel, Sorrowful, Pre-1960s. A pillar of the gospel funeral tradition, asking to be led home.
Be Still, My Soul — Traditional (1855) · 4:15 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Set to Sibelius’ Finlandia; a deeply calming hymn for quiet moments.
Lean on Me — Bill Withers (1972) · 4:18 · R&B / Soul, Uplifting, 60s–70s. A communal anthem of support; uplifting for a celebration of life.
The Old Rugged Cross — Traditional (1912) · 4:15 · Hymn, Nostalgic, Pre-1960s. A beloved old hymn, especially meaningful for traditional congregations.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness — Traditional (1923) · 3:55 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A hymn of steadfast comfort, well suited to honoring a long, faithful life.
In the Garden — Traditional (1912) · 3:50 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A tender, old-time gospel favorite, especially for older Southern congregations.
When I Get Where I’m Going — Brad Paisley (2005) · 4:11 · Country, Hopeful, 2000s. Pictures heaven free of pain and burden; comforting and uplifting.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Traditional (1905) · 4:05 · Gospel, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. Reassurance that God watches over each life; a gospel staple.
Here I Am, Lord — Dan Schutte (1981) · 4:40 · Christian, Hopeful, 80s–90s. A widely loved Catholic hymn of answered calling and surrender.
Because He Lives — Bill & Gloria Gaither (1971) · 4:10 · Gospel, Hopeful, 60s–70s. A resurrection-focused gospel anthem of hope beyond death.
I Will Rise — Chris Tomlin (2008) · 4:37 · Christian, Hopeful, 2000s. Written explicitly about death and resurrection; a modern closing choice.
Blessed Assurance — Traditional (1873) · 3:40 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A confident hymn of faith and belonging; comforting and familiar.
When We All Get to Heaven — Traditional (1898) · 3:10 · Hymn, Uplifting, Pre-1960s. An upbeat reunion hymn that ends a service on a note of joy.
Morning Has Broken — Cat Stevens (1971) · 3:20 · Folk, Peaceful, 60s–70s. A gentle hymn-turned-folk-song about renewal and each new day.
Panis Angelicus — César Franck (1872) · 4:50 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A sacred classical piece often performed during communion at Catholic funerals.
Pie Jesu — Gabriel Fauré (1888) · 3:30 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A pure, prayerful soprano setting from the Requiem; often for a child or young person.
I Look to You — Whitney Houston (2009) · 4:16 · R&B / Soul, Hopeful, 2000s. A gospel-tinged ballad about finding strength beyond ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Christian funeral songs?
"Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," "It Is Well with My Soul," and "I Can Only Imagine" are among the most requested. The best choice fits your loved one’s faith and your congregation.
What is the difference between a hymn and a contemporary Christian song?
Hymns are traditional, often centuries old, and easy for a congregation to sing together. Contemporary Christian songs are modern worship recordings, often performed rather than sung congregationally.
Can the congregation sing along?
Familiar hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art" are ideal for congregational singing. Provide the words in your printed order of service so everyone can join in.