Attending a funeral is often a sad occasion for many who have lost a loved one, yet the ways that many funerals help to heal that pain are always with words. These words help bring back the humanity of those we’ve lost, and for this reason, is why we speak about their life and how they have touched our lives. Here are a few reasons why funeral readings are so important when speaking about those who are celebrated even after their passing.
What is a good scripture or bible verse reading for a funeral?
The good book is one of the most significant examples of speaking about loved ones since many of the scriptures teach us many lessons about life. While it’s very common that a priest or pastor will deliver a large portion of the funeral readings, it’s common to hear many quotes directly from the scripture that entail a wise but inspiring lesson that helps to remind us that we have faith in ourselves.
These passages that are typically mentioned are always uplifting and encouraging to hear and give us hope if we fear that we cannot accept what is happening. Often these readings are meant to be inspirational and provide insight to others who might not follow the same faith. Here we have created a list of 5 popular scripture readings for a funeral:
Psalm 27
Of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
John 14
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
JOB 19:23-27
Oh, that my words were written!
Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!
That they were engraved on a rock
With an iron pen and lead, forever!
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
What is a good poem for a funeral?
A good poem that was requested by a person who has passed or was a favorite to that person is always a good idea. If you choose a poem, it should always be a poet that the deceased would have enjoyed. There’s no rule that a family member can choose a poem that has a message which helps give some guidance or humanity about the meaning of life. Often, a funny poem or ones that provide humor that would be fitting but not distasteful are good too.
Although poems are better when spoken at a eulogy, there is no written rule that a thoughtful poem is best-fitting to be spoken at the funeral by friends or family members who want to express their thoughts on the deceased.
7 common poems read at funerals are:
What is a funeral resolution?
A resolution is what members of the church or within a family will announce at the beginning of the funeral. It gives the official declaration between those who are part of a church or religious organization. And because of this, they declare their connection to that person and let everyone know how they were involved in that church and what they mean to them. They will also give their condolences to the family members through this resolution announcement.
You’ll hear when they came to that church or organization, what they were learning and how they helped that church. They will detail what significant things they achieved for them in their religious service and accomplishments. Sometimes an organization might even set up a special trust or benefit that goes to keep their name remembered for their contributions to life. And many other quotes or verses that help funeral guests to honor that person who is gone.
Best funeral quotes
often quotes at funerals are ones that were often used by someone who has recently passed away and are brought up for a short story. This person who remembers an old expression or saying that brings back good memories for guests attending is a fine way of honoring them as a living memory. Sometimes it can be just as humorous as the story can suggest but should help people celebrate that person by using that favorite quote. 5 Best Funeral Quotes:
- “Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them” – George Eliot
- “Grief is the price we pay for love” – Queen Elizabeth II
- “Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five” – Benjamin Franklin
- “Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us; our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life” – Albert Einstein
- “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light” – Dylan Thomas
What is a benediction?
Any funeral that is held within a church or by a religious group will have a special farewell at the end of the services. This is called the benediction and is part of many religions including the Catholics, Christians, Protestants, and Lutherans. It’s a call for divine help and the blessing or guidance from God that is delivered by a priest at the very end of the funeral ceremony. In many cases, it included the attendee of that church also making a silent prayer for the deceased.
Each religion makes its benediction slightly different, but the message is always the same. It’s a call for peace for those in mourning using the power of prayer.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
