Funeral Scripture Readings
The passages ministers and families actually choose — in full, free to print, with honest guidance for the reader.
Psalm 23
The Lord Is My Shepherd
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down…”
comfort
John 14:1–6
In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in…”
hope
Psalm 121
I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help…”
trust
Psalm 46:1–7
God Is Our Refuge and Strength
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…”
comfort
Psalm 90:1–6, 12
Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Dwelling Place
“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before…”
trust · for a grandmother
Psalm 27:1–5, 13–14
The Lord Is My Light
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD…”
trust
Psalm 91:1–7, 11
He That Dwelleth in the Secret Place
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide…”
comfort
Psalm 103:1–5, 15–18
Bless the Lord, O My Soul
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy…”
thanksgiving
Psalm 116:1–9, 15
Precious in the Sight of the Lord
“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my…”
thanksgiving
Psalm 139:1–12
Whither Shall I Go From Thy Spirit
“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my…”
trust
Psalm 34:17–19
The Lord Is Nigh Unto Them of a Broken Heart
“The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of…”
comfort
Psalm 16:8–11
Thou Wilt Shew Me the Path of Life
“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right…”
hope
Romans 8:31–39
Nothing Shall Separate Us
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be…”
hope
1 Corinthians 15:51–58
Death Is Swallowed Up in Victory
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall…”
hope
2 Corinthians 4:16–5:1
A House Not Made With Hands
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet…”
hope
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Sorrow Not as Others Which Have No Hope
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them…”
hope
Revelation 21:1–7
No More Death, Neither Sorrow
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the…”
hope
John 11:21–27
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
“Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my…”
hope
Philippians 4:4–9
The Peace of God Which Passeth Understanding
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your…”
comfort
2 Timothy 4:6–8
I Have Fought a Good Fight
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at…”
thanksgiving · for a father
Matthew 5:1–12
The Beatitudes
“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he…”
comfort
John 6:37–40
Him That Cometh to Me I Will in No Wise Cast Out
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh…”
hope
Romans 14:7–9
Whether We Live or Die, We Are the Lord’s
“For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For…”
trust
1 Peter 1:3–9
An Inheritance Incorruptible
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which…”
hope
1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 13
The Greatest of These Is Charity
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity…”
thanksgiving · for a mother
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8
To Every Thing There Is a Season
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under…”
comfort
Isaiah 40:28–31
They Shall Mount Up With Wings as Eagles
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God…”
hope
Isaiah 25:6–9
He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory
“And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a…”
hope
Isaiah 41:10, 13
Fear Thou Not, For I Am With Thee
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy…”
comfort
Lamentations 3:22–26
His Compassions Fail Not
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his…”
comfort
Job 19:25–27
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the…”
trust
Proverbs 31:10, 25–31
A Woman That Feareth the Lord
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. …”
thanksgiving · for a mother
Joshua 1:9
Be Strong and of a Good Courage
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not…”
trust · for a father
Revelation 14:13
Blessed Are the Dead Which Die in the Lord
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are…”
committal
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Common questions
Can we print these readings in the programme?+
Yes — every text here is the King James Version, which is public domain. Print the verses on the life-story page or back page, or just the reference in the order of service.
How many readings does a funeral have?+
Usually one or two — commonly a psalm early in the service and a gospel or epistle reading before the sermon. The committal at the graveside often adds a short third.
Who should read?+
Anyone the family trusts to stand and speak slowly — it is a good role for someone who wants to take part but could not carry a tribute. Choose a shorter psalm for a nervous reader; the congregation will carry them.