The fact that Lyte was so close to death’s door makes this reflection on mortality and his personal relationship with God all the more powerful. Not surprisingly, it has become a popular choice for spiritual funerals. When other helpers fail and comforts flee,įaced with tuberculosis and the knowledge of his impending death, the 54-year-old Henry Francis Lyte used his time of trial as an opportunity to write one of the most beautiful and well-loved of all hymns. The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide. Abide With Me (written by Henry Francis Lyte, 1847) The knowledge of God’s presence is an encouragement to mourners as they prepare for a new way of life and set out on the road to healing. For funeral attendees, it can be viewed as a request for God’s guidance through every stage of the grief journey. A cry of devotion in times of hardship, this 19 th century favorite touches on themes of perseverance, faith, suffering, and comfort. Every step of the journey is difficult, and requires the presence of God. The speaker requires the assistance of the Lord in every activity and situation to see it through to completion. “Every hour I need thee.” Not monthly, weekly, or daily. I Need Thee (written by Annie Hawks and Robert Lowry, 1872) People of faith will find great comfort in singing, “Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not, / As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.” While nothing can take away the pain of loss, this hymn reminds the mourner that some things in life always stay the same. The words of this 20 th century hymn provide a reminder of the things that are constant in the world. How do we respond to loss, and how do we find a way to continue to live our lives? So much changes when a loved one passes away, and the natural response is to look for something to cling to. ‘Great is Thy faithfulness,’ Lord, unto me!”Īfter the loss of a loved one, people often experience disorientation and confusion. “‘Great is Thy faithfulness!’ ‘Great is Thy faithfulness!’Īll I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy Faithfulness (written by Thomas O. His firm belief in the return of the Lord, vividly described as a day when the clouds will be “rolled back as a scroll,” is a beautiful sentiment that and reminds Christian believers of the true home where loved ones reside. Devoid of bitterness, the song is a testament to the level of Spafford’s faith even in the worst of times. In the aftermath of the event, Spafford wrote one of the most memorable of all hymns. After sending his family ahead of him on a boat to England, he received a telegram from his wife informing him that their ship had sunk in the Atlantic and that his four daughters had all passed away. Spafford’s devout hymn was composed in the midst of great tragedy. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, “When peace like a river attendeth my way, It is Well With My Soul (written by Horatio Gates Spafford, 1873) If you are looking for timeless songs of faith to honor the life of a loved one, you may want to consider using one of these 10 beautiful hymns. For people of faith, these feelings are often best expressed in hymns, which are songs of devotion or praise to God. Alan Wolfelt tells us, music imprints itself on our hearts more than any other experience in life. Music is an important element of a funeral ceremony because it helps us to process feelings that are difficult to put into words.
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