A library of resources for funerals

Stay, Master, Stay Upon This Heavenly Hill

Samuel Greg (1804-1876)

Stay, Master, stay upon this heavenly hill;
A little longer, let us linger still;
With all the mighty ones of old beside,
Near to the aweful Presence still abide;
Before the throne of light we trembling stand,
And catch a glimpse into the spirit-land.

Stay, Master stay! We breathe a purer air;
This life is not the life that waits us there;
Thoughts, feelings, flashes, glimpses come and go;
We cannot speak them - nay, we do not know;
Wrapt in this cloud of light we seem to be
The thing we fain would grow - eternally.

No, saith the Lord, the hour is past, we go;
Our home, our life, our duties lie below.
While here we kneel upon the mount of prayer,
The plough lies waiting in the furrow there.
Here we sought God that we might know his will;
There we must do it, serve him, seek him still.

If man aspires to reach the throne of God,
O'er the dull plains of earth must lie the road:
He who best does his lowly duty here,
Shall mount the highest in a nobler sphere:
At God's own feet our spirits seek their rest,
And he is nearest him who serves him best.

Steal Away, Steal Away

Steal away, steal away,
steal away to Jesus.
Steal away, steal away home.
I ain't got long to stay here.

1My Lord, he calls me,
he calls me by the thunder.
The trumpet sounds within my soul;
I ain't got long to stay here.

Green trees are bending,
the sinner stands a-trembling.
The trumpet sounds within my soul;
I ain't got long to stay here.

My Lord, he calls me,
he calls me by the lightning.
The trumpet sounds within my soul;
I ain't got long to stay here.

Such Love, Pure As The Whitest Snow

Graham Kendrick (born 1950)

Such love, pure as the whitest snow;
such love weeps for the shame I know;
such love, paying the debt I owe;
O Jesus, such love.

Such love, stilling my restlessness;
such love, filling my emptiness;
such love, showing me holiness;
O Jesus, such love.

Such love, springs from eternity;
such love, streaming through history;
such love, fountain of life to me;
O Jesus, such love.

Suffer Little Children To Come Unto Me

Alan Morgan (fl. 1973)

May he who sees the sparrow fall,
And counts each drop of rain,
Bless the little children gathered
Here within his name.
O may they grow and learn to know
The sunshine of his smile,
Keeping safe this promise with them all the while.
Suffer little children to come unto me,
Suffer little children to come unto me,
And I will be their friend.

O Lord who lights each tiny star,
That shines at your command,
Grant each little life a special
Blessing from your hand.
Help us teach them patiently
Through happy, healthy days,
Guide their eager foootsteps in your loving ways.
Chorus

O Lord you have done all things well,
The earth sings out your praise,
Grant that we your goodness tell at
Home or work or play.
From evil and from harmful things
Forever keep us all,
As your loving promise we would now recall.
Chorus

Summer Suns Are Glowing

William Walsham How (1823-1897)

Summer suns are glowing
Over land and sea,
Happy light is flowing
Bountiful and free;
Everything rejoices
In the mellow rays,
All earth's thousand voices
Swell the psalm of praise.

God's free mercy streameth
Over all the world,
And his banner gleameth
Everywhere unfurled.
Broad and deep and glorious
As the heaven above,
Shines in might victorious
His eternal love.

Lord, upon our blindness
Thy pure radiance pour;
For thy loving-kindness
Make us love thee more;
And when clouds are drifting
Dark across our sky,
Then, the veil uplifting,
Father, be thou nigh.

We will never doubt thee,
Though thou veil thy light;
Life is dark without thee,
Death with thee is bright.
Light of light, shine o'er us
On our pilgrim way;
Go thou still before us
To the endless day.

Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear

John Keble (1792-1866)

Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear,
it is not night if thou be near;
O may no earth-born cloud arise
to hide thee from thy servant's eyes.

When the soft dews of kindly sleep
my wearied eyelids gently steep,
be my last thought, how sweet to rest
for ever on my Saviour's breast.

Abide with me from morn till eve,
for without thee I cannot live;
abide with me when night is nigh,
for without thee I dare not die.

If some poor wandering child of thine
have spurned today the voice divine,
now, Lord, the gracious work begin;
let him no more lie down in sin.

Watch by the sick; enrich the poor
with blessings from thy boundless store;
be every mourner's sleep tonight
like infant's slumbers, pure and light.

Come near and bless us when we wake,
ere through the world our way we take;
till in the ocean of thy love
we lose ourselves in heaven above.

Sunset And Evening Star,

Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892)

Sunset and evening star,
and one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
when I put out to sea,
but such a tide, as, moving seems asleep,
too full for sound and foam,
when that which drew from out the boundless deep
turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
and after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
when I embark;
for, though from out our bourne of time and place
the flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
when I have crost the bar.

Sweet Heart Of Jesus

Sweet heart of Jesus, fount of love and mercy,
Today we come, thy blessing to implore;
O touch our hearts, so cold and so ungrateful,
And make them, Lord, thine own for evermore.
Sweet heart of Jesus, we implore,
O make us love thee more and more.

Sweet heart of Jesus, make us know and love thee,
Unfold to us the treasures of thy grace,
That so our hearts, from things of earth uplifted,
May long alone to gaze upon thy face.
Chorus.

Sweet heart of Jesus, make us pure and gentle,
And teach us how to do thy blessed will;
To follow close the print of thy dear footsteps,
And when we fall – sweet heart, oh, love us still.
Chorus.

Sweet heart of Jesus, bless all hearts that love thee,
And may thine own heart ever blessed be,
Bless us, dear Lord, and bless the friends we cherish,
And keep us true to Mary and to thee.
Chorus.

Sweet is the hope that is thrilling my soul

Sweet is the hope that is thrilling my soul:
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!
Then what if the dark clouds of sin o’er me roll
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!

I know I’ll see Jesus some day!
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!
What a joy it will be
When his face I shall see
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!

Though I must travel by faith not by sight,
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!
No evil can harm me, no foe can affright
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!

Chorus

Darkness is gathering, but hope shines within,
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!
What joy when he comes to wipe out every sin;
I know I’ll see Jesus some day!

Chorus

Sweet Is The Work, My God, My King

Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Sweet is the work, my God, my king,
To praise thy name, give thanks, and sing;
To show thy love by morning light,
And talk of all thy truth at night.

Sweet is the day of sacred rest,
No mortal cares disturb my breast;
O may my heart in tune be found
Like David's harp of solemn sound!

My heart shall triumph in my Lord,
And bless his works, and bless his word:
Thy works of grace, how bright they shine!
How deep thy counsels, how divine!

Then shall I bear a glorious part,
When grace has well refined my heart,
And fresh supplies of joy are shed,
Like holy oil to cheer my head.

Then shall I see, and hear, and know
All I desired or wished below;
And every power find sweet employ
In that eternal world of joy.

Sweet Saviour, Bless Us Ere We Go

Frederick William Faber (1814-1863)

Sweet Saviour, bless us ere we go;
thy word into our minds instil,
and make our lukewarm hearts to glow
with lowly love and fervent will.
Through life's long day and death's dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our light.

The day is done, its hours have run,
and thou hast taken count of all,
the scanty triumphs grace hath won,
the broken vow, the frequent fall.
Chorus.

Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways
true absolution and release;
and bless us, more than in past days,
with purity and inward peace.
Chorus.

Do more than pardon; give us joy,
sweet fear, and sober liberty,
and loving hearts without alloy
that only long to be like thee.
Chorus.

Labour is sweet, for thou hast toiled,
and care is light, for thou hast cared;
let not our works with self be soiled,
nor in unsimple ways ensnared.
Chorus.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Hymn

Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see? Coming for to carry me home, A band of angels coming after me, Coming for to carry me home.

Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home.

I’m sometimes up and sometimes down, Coming for to carry me home, But still my soul is heavenly bound, Coming for to carry me home.

Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home.

If you get there before I do,Coming for to carry me home, Tell all my friends I’m coming, too. Coming for to carry me home.

Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home.

Take My Life, And Let It Be

Frances R Havergal (1836-1879)

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of thy love;
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it thine;
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart-it is thine own;
It shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At thy feet its treasure-store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for thee.

Teach me Thy way, O Lord

Benjamin M Ramsey (1849-1923)

Teach me Thy way, O Lord,
Teach me Thy way!
Thy gracious aid afford,
Teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright,
More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heavenly light:
Teach me Thy way!

When doubts and fears arise,
Teach me Thy way!
When storms o'erspread the skies,
Teach me Thy way!
Shine through the cloud and rain,
Through sorrow, toil and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain:
Teach me Thy way!

Long as my life shall last,
Teach me Thy way!
Where'er my lot be cast,
Teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run,
Until the journey's done,
Until the crown is won,
Teach me Thy way!

Teach Me, My God And King

George Herbert (1593-1633 NS)

Teach me, my God and King,
In all things thee to see,
And what I do in anything,
To do it as for thee.

A man that looks on glass
On it may stay his eye;
Or if he pleaseth, through it pass,
And then the heaven espy.

All may of thee partake:
Nothing can be so mean,
Which with this tincture, 'For thy sake'
Will not grow bright and clean.

A servant with this clause
Makes drudgery divine;
Who sweeps a room, as for thy laws,
Makes that and the action fine.

This is the famous stone
That turneth all to gold;
For that which God doth touch and own
Cannot for less be told.

Tell Me The Old, Old Story

Arabella Hankey (1834-1911)

Tell me the old, old story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
Tell me the story simply,
as to a little child;
for I am weak, and weary,
and helpless, and defiled:
Tell me the old, old story,
of Jesus and his love.

Tell me the story slowly,
that I may take it in-
that wonderful redemption,
God's remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often,
for I forget so soon;
the early dew of morning
has passed away at noon:
Chorus.

Tell me the story softly,
with earnest tones and grave;
remember, I'm the sinner
whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always,
if you would really be
in any time of trouble
a comforter to me:
Chorus.

Tell me the same old story
when you have cause to fear
that this world's empty glory
is costing me too dear.
And when that next world's glory
is dawning on my soul,
tell me the old, old story-
'Christ Jesus makes thee whole!'
Chorus.

Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus

W H Parker (1845-1929)

Tell me the stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
Things I would ask him to tell me
If he were here;
Scenes by the wayside,
Tales of the sea,
Stories of Jesus,
Tell them to me.

First let me hear how the children
Stood round his knee;
And I shall fancy his blessing
Resting on me;
Words full of kindness,
Deeds full of grace,
All in the love-light
Of Jesus' face.

Tell me, in accents of wonder,
How rolled the sea,
Tossing the boat in a tempest
On Galilee;
And how the Master,
Ready and kind,
Chided the billows,
And hushed the wind.

Into the city I'd follow
The children's band,
Waving a branch of the palm-tree
High in my hand;
One of his heralds
Yes, I would sing
Loudest hosannas,
Jesus is King!

Show me that scene in the garden,
Of bitter pain;
And of the cross where my Saviour
For me was slain;
And, through the sadness,
Help me to see
How Jesus suffered
For love of me.

Tell Out, My Soul, The Greatness Of The Lord

Timothy Dudley-Smith (b.1926) from Luke 1. 46-55

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy Name, the Lord, the Mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children's children and for evermore!

Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus

Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus
Thank you, Lord, for loving me
Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus
Thank you, Lord, for loving me

You went to calvary,
And there you Died for me,
Thank you, Lord, for loving me
You went to calvary,
And there you Died for me,
Thank you, Lord, for loving me

You rose up from the grave,
To me new life you gave
Thank you, Lord, for loving me
You rose up from the grave,
To me new life you gave
Thank you, Lord, for loving me

You’re coming back again
And we with you shall reign
Thank you, Lord, for loving me
You’re coming back again
And we with you shall reign
Thank you, Lord, for loving me

Thank you, Lord, for this new day

Diane Davis Andrew

Thank you, Lord, for this new day,
Thank You, Lord, for this new day,
Thank You, Lord, for this new day,
Right where we are.
Alleluia, praise the Lord!
Alleluia, praise the Lord!
Alleluia, praise the Lord,
Right where we are.

Thank You, Lord, for food to eat … (etc.)
Refrain

Thank You, Lord, for clothes to wear … (etc.)
Refrain

Thank You, Lord, for all your gifts … (etc.)
Refrain

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