Psalm 139:1–12 — Whither Shall I Go From Thy Spirit

Why families choose it

It begins with being known — every sitting down and rising up, every word before it is spoken — and then answers the question every mourner carries: where has the person gone? Nowhere outside God's presence. Heaven, the grave, the far side of the sea, the dark — 'thou art there.' It comforts twice over, because the same words hold the one who has died and the ones now sitting in darkness of their own. Chosen when a family needs presence asserted, not explained.

Reading it aloud

The two questions of 'Whither shall I go' are real questions — let your voice actually ask them, and then let every answer land the same way, steady: 'thou art there... thou art there.' 'The wings of the morning' will want to be read beautifully; resist that, and read it plainly, which is more beautiful. End slowly on the balance of the final line — darkness and light, both alike.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Scripture Reading — Psalm 139:1–12” with the reader’s name beside it. The full text is public domain and may be printed on the life-story or back page.