Psalm 91:1–7, 11 — He That Dwelleth in the Secret Place

Why families choose it

Generations of servicemen carried this psalm into danger, and it is still often chosen for those who served, nursed, or simply lived through fear. Its images are protection made tender: feathers and wings, a shield, angels given charge. This selection lets the terrors be named — night, arrow, pestilence, noonday — and then closes on the angels, so the room is left guarded rather than besieged. It says, of a life that knew fear, that fear did not have the last word.

Reading it aloud

Keep the voice low and near — this is shelter language, and shouting breaks it. The list of terrors (night, arrow, pestilence, noonday) can be read at an even, unhurried beat, like naming things that no longer have power in the room. Breathe before the final verse; it stands apart. ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee’ should be the gentlest line of the reading, almost spoken to the one who has died.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Scripture Reading — Psalm 91:1–7, 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.