Psalm 16:8–11 — Thou Wilt Shew Me the Path of Life

Why families choose it

When the church first had to explain an empty tomb, this is the passage Peter stood up and quoted. Its hope is specific, not wistful: a soul not left in the grave, a path that runs through death rather than ending at it, and joy described as fulness and 'for evermore'. Chosen when the family wants resurrection said outright — in words older than the church that believes them.

Reading it aloud

Keep an even, confident pace — this is a reading that knows something, not one that wonders. 'Shew' is simply 'show'; say it so, without comment. The last verse is the destination: give its three clauses separate breath — the path of life, fulness of joy, pleasures for evermore — and let 'evermore' be the final sound in the room, not a trailing-off.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Scripture Reading — Psalm 16:8–11” with the reader’s name beside it. The full text is public domain and may be printed on the life-story or back page.