A library of resources for funerals

When, In Our Music, God Is Glorified

Fred Pratt Green 1903-2000

When, in our music, God is glorified,
And adoration leaves no room for pride,
It is as though the whole creation cried:
Alleluia!

How often, making music, we have found
A new dimension in the world of sound,
As worship moved us to a more profound
Alleluia!

So has the Church, in liturgy and song,
In faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
Borne witness to the truth in every tongue:
Alleluia!

And did not Jesus sing a Psalm that night
When utmost evil strove against the Light?
Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight:
Alleluia!

Let every instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always:
Alleluia!

When Morning Gilds The Skies

Nürnberg Gesangbuch (1828), Edward Caswall (1814-1878) and others

When morning gilds the skies,
my heart awaking cries,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
alike at work and prayer
to Jesus I repair;
may Jesus Christ be praised.

Whene'er the sweet church bell
peals over hill and dell,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
O hark to what it sings,
as joyously it rings,
may Jesus Christ be praised:

My tongue shall never tire
of chanting with the choir,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
this song of sacred joy,
it never seems to cloy,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

When sleep her balm denies,
my silent spirit sighs,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
when evil thoughts molest,
with this I shield my breast,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

Does sadness fill my mind?
a solace here I find,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
or fades my earthly bliss?
my comfort still is this,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

The night becomes as day,
when from the heart we say,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
the powers of darkness fear,
when this sweet chant they hear,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

7In heaven's eternal bliss
the loveliest strain is this,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
let air and sea and sky,
from depth to height, reply,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

8To God, the Word, on high
the hosts of angels cry,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
let mortals, too, upraise
their voice in hymns of praise,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

When Mothers Of Salem

William M Hutchings (1827-1876)

When mothers of Salem,
Their children brought to Jesus,
The stern disciples drove them back
And bade them depart;
But Jesus saw them ere they fled,
And sweetly smiled, and kindly said:
'Suffer the children to come unto Me.'

How kind was our Saviour
To bid those children welcome;
But there are many thousands
Who have never heard His name;
The Bible they have never read;
They know not that the Saviour said
'Suffer the children to come unto Me.'

O soon may the heathen
Of every tribe and nation
Fulfil Thy blesséd word, and cast
Their idols all away;
O shine upon them from above,
And show Thyself a God of love;
Teach them, dear Saviour, to come unto Thee.

When Peace, Like A River, Attendeth My Way

Horatio G Spafford (1828-1888)

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows, like sea-billows, roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul, with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed His own blood for my soul.
Chorus

My sin - O the bliss of this glorious thought! -
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Chorus

For me be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live!
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Chorus

But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming, we wait;
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
O trump of the angel! O voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope! blessèd rest of my soul!
Chorus

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the cross of Christ my God;
the very things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down:
did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
spreads o'er his body on the tree;
then am I dead to all the globe,
and all the globe is dead to me.

We’re the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the cross of Christ my God;
the very things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down:
did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
spreads o'er his body on the tree;
then am I dead to all the globe,
and all the globe is dead to me.

We’re the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

When, In Our Music, God Is Glorified

Fred Pratt Green 1903-2000

When, in our music, God is glorified,
And adoration leaves no room for pride,
It is as though the whole creation cried:
Alleluia!

How often, making music, we have found
A new dimension in the world of sound,
As worship moved us to a more profound
Alleluia!

So has the Church, in liturgy and song,
In faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
Borne witness to the truth in every tongue:
Alleluia!

And did not Jesus sing a Psalm that night
When utmost evil strove against the Light?
Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight:
Alleluia!

Let every instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always:
Alleluia!

When Morning Gilds The Skies

Nürnberg Gesangbuch (1828), Edward Caswall (1814-1878) and others

When morning gilds the skies,
my heart awaking cries,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
alike at work and prayer
to Jesus I repair;
may Jesus Christ be praised.

Whene'er the sweet church bell
peals over hill and dell,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
O hark to what it sings,
as joyously it rings,
may Jesus Christ be praised:

My tongue shall never tire
of chanting with the choir,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
this song of sacred joy,
it never seems to cloy,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

When sleep her balm denies,
my silent spirit sighs,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
when evil thoughts molest,
with this I shield my breast,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

Does sadness fill my mind?
a solace here I find,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
or fades my earthly bliss?
my comfort still is this,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

The night becomes as day,
when from the heart we say,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
the powers of darkness fear,
when this sweet chant they hear,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

7In heaven's eternal bliss
the loveliest strain is this,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
let air and sea and sky,
from depth to height, reply,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

8To God, the Word, on high
the hosts of angels cry,
may Jesus Christ be praised:
let mortals, too, upraise
their voice in hymns of praise,
may Jesus Christ be praised.

When Mothers Of Salem

William M Hutchings (1827-1876)

When mothers of Salem,
Their children brought to Jesus,
The stern disciples drove them back
And bade them depart;
But Jesus saw them ere they fled,
And sweetly smiled, and kindly said:
'Suffer the children to come unto Me.'

How kind was our Saviour
To bid those children welcome;
But there are many thousands
Who have never heard His name;
The Bible they have never read;
They know not that the Saviour said
'Suffer the children to come unto Me.'

O soon may the heathen
Of every tribe and nation
Fulfil Thy blesséd word, and cast
Their idols all away;
O shine upon them from above,
And show Thyself a God of love;
Teach them, dear Saviour, to come unto Thee.

When Peace, Like A River, Attendeth My Way

Horatio G Spafford (1828-1888)

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows, like sea-billows, roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul, with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed His own blood for my soul.
Chorus

My sin - O the bliss of this glorious thought! -
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Chorus

For me be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live!
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Chorus

But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming, we wait;
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
O trump of the angel! O voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope! blessèd rest of my soul!
Chorus

When The Day Of Toil Is Done

John Ellerton (1826-1893)

When the day of toil is done,
When the race of life is run,
Father, grant Thy wearied one
Rest for evermore.

When the strife of sin is stilled,
When the foe within in killed,
Be Thy gracious word fulfilled-
Peace for evermore.

When the darkness melts away
At the breaking of the day,
Bid us hail the cheering ray-
Light for evermore.

When the heart by sorrow tried
Feels at length its throbs subside,
Bring us, where all tears are dried,
Joy for evermore.

When for vanished days we yearn,
Days that never can return,
Teach us in Thy love to learn
Love for evermore.

When the breath of life is flown,
When the grave must claim its own,
Lord of Life, be ours Thy crown-
Life for evermore.

When The Trumpet Of The Lord Shall Sound

James M Black (1856-1938)

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound,
and time shall be no more,
and the morning breaks, eternal, bright, and fair;
when the saved on earth shall gather
over on the other shore,
and the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
When the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

On that bright and cloudless morning
when the dead in Christ shall rise,
and the glory of His resurrection share;
when His chosen ones shall gather
to their home beyond the skies,
and the roll Is called up yonder, I'll be there.
Refrain

Let us labour for the master
from the dawn till setting sun,
let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
then when all of life is over,
and our work on earth is done,
and the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.
Refrain

When Upon Life's Billows You Are Tempest Tossed

Johnson Oatman (1856-1922)

When upon life's billows you are tempest toss'd,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold,
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Refrain

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all,
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Refrain

When We Walk With The Lord

John H Sammis (1846-1919)

When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
Chorus

But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Chorus

Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go -
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Chorus

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night

Nahum Tate (1652-1715)

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.

Fear not,' said he (for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind);
'glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind.

To you in David's town this day
is born of David's line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid.'

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song;

All glory be to God on high,
and on the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to men
begin and never cease.'

Who Fathoms The Eternal Thought

John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892)

Who fathoms the eternal thought?
Who talks of scheme and plan?
The Lord is God! He needeth not
The poor device of man.

Here in the maddening maze of things,
When tossed by storm and flood,
To one fixed ground my spirit clings;
I know that God is good!

I long for household voices gone,
For vanished smiles I long,
But God hath led my dear ones on,
And He can do no wrong.

I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.

And if my heart and flesh are weak
To bear an untried pain,
The bruisëd reed He will not break,
But strengthen and sustain.

No offering of my own I have,
Nor works, my faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts He gave,
And plead His love for love.

7And so beside the silent sea
I wait the muffled oar;
No harm from Him can come to me
In ocean or on shore

8I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.

Who Put The Colours In The Rainbow

J A Paul Booth (1931-1995)

Who put the colours in the rainbow?
Who put the salt into the sea?
Who put the cold into the snowflake?
Who made you and me?
Who put the hump upon the camel?
Who put the neck on the giraffe?
Who put the tail upon the monkey?
Who made hyenas laugh?
Who made whales and snails and quails?
Who made hogs and dogs and frogs?
Who made bats and rats and cats?
Who made ev'rything?

Who put the gold into the sunshine?
Who put the sparkle in the stars?
Who put the silver in the moonlight?
Who made Earth and Mars?
Who put the scent into the roses?
Who taught the honey bee to dance?
Who put the tree inside the acorn?
It surely can't be chance!
Who made seas and leaves and trees?
Who made snow and winds that blow?
Who made streams and rivers flow?
God made all of these!

Who Would True Valour See

John Bunyan (1628-1688)

Who would true valour see,
let him come hither;
one here will constant be,
come wind, come weather;
there's no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim.

Whoso beset him round
with dismal stories,
do but themselves confound;
his strength the more is,
No lion can him fright;
he'll with a giant fight,
but he will have a right
to be a pilgrim.

Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
can daunt his spirit;
he knows he at the end
shall life inherit.
Then, fancies, fly away;
he'll not fear what men say;
he'll labour night and day
to be a pilgrim.

Will Your Anchor Hold In The Storms Of Life

Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1907)

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love!

Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?
Chorus.

Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail,
while your anchor holds within the veil.
Chorus.

Will your eyes behold through the morning light
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life's storms are past for evermore?
Chorus.

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Resources for funerals

Browse Hymns, Songs, Poems, Readings, Imagery and Literature

When, In Our Music, God Is Glorified

When Morning Gilds The Skies

When Mothers Of Salem

When Peace, Like A River, Attendeth My Way

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

When, In Our Music, God Is Glorified

When Morning Gilds The Skies

When Mothers Of Salem

When Peace, Like A River, Attendeth My Way

When The Day Of Toil Is Done

When The Trumpet Of The Lord Shall Sound

When Upon Life's Billows You Are Tempest Tossed

When We Walk With The Lord

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night

Who Are These Like Stars Appearing

Who Fathoms The Eternal Thought

Who Put The Colours In The Rainbow

Who Would True Valour See

Will Your Anchor Hold In The Storms Of Life