Biggest Savings of the Year: 2 for 1 spreadings ($1500 value) with your tree purchase

Scripture Readings for Funerals and Memorials

we have put together some meaningful funeral scripture readings that can provide comfort and strength while navigating your loss.
A memorial marker sits next to a memorial program. This can be part of your memorial plan

Choose a Tree Instead
of a Tombstone

Return ashes to the earth in a protected forest with Better Place Forests.

Navigating the loss of a loved one is an incredibly emotional experience, and finding the right words to say during a funeral or memorial service can be challenging. For many Christian families, funeral scripture readings offer solace, hope, and a profound sense of peace. Below we’ll explore some meaningful funeral scripture readings that can provide comfort and strength during these difficult times.

Why Funeral Scripture Readings Matter

Funeral scripture readings are a powerful way to honor the life of a loved one while conveying messages of faith, love, and eternal life. These funeral scripture readings can help families find comfort in their faith and offer a sense of closure. They also serve as a reminder of the promises of God, providing hope even in the darkest moments. 

Popular Funeral Scripture Readings

Here are some widely cherished funeral scripture readings:

Popular Funeral Scripture Readings: 1. Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and beloved funeral scripture readings. It speaks of God’s guidance, offering comfort and reassurance to family and friends who are grieving.

Popular Funeral Scripture Readings: 2. John 14:1-3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 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? 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.”

This funeral scripture reading passage provides a comforting promise of eternal life and reunion with loved ones in heaven.  

Popular Funeral Scripture Readings: 3. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

This passage reminds us of God’s compassion and comfort, encouraging us to lean on Him and support one another during times of grief.

Popular Funeral Scripture Readings: 4. Revelation 21:4

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

This passage offers hope and assurance that our loved ones are in a place of eternal peace.

Popular Funeral Scripture Readings: 5. 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.”

This powerful passage emphasizes the unbreakable bond of God’s love.

How to Choose the Right Funeral Scripture Reading

Selecting the right funeral scripture reading for a funeral or memorial service depends on several factors:

Choosing the Right Funeral Scripture Reading: 1.  Personal

Choose a funeral scripture reading that aligns with your loved one’s beliefs and personality. The most touching funeral scripture readings are always personal in nature with comforting words for those grieving. If your loved one had a favorite passage from the Bible try to find a way to incorporate it into your words.

Choosing the Right Funeral Scripture Reading: 2.  Comforting

Focus on readings that bring comfort and offer hope to the family and friends. Funeral readings should also provide support to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Select readings that offer words of hope, love, and healing. 

Choosing the Right Funeral Scripture Reading: 3. Tone

Choose a funeral scripture reading that is meaningful and easy to understand for those that are attending. Striking the right tone can be tricky, but is key to ensuring that the message fits within the overall service.

Woman speaking at a memorial service in a forest. She has scripture readings for funerals

Further Guidance

Whether you are planning a service or seeking solace yourself, funeral scripture readings can provide immense comfort and hope during times of loss. If you’re looking for further guidance or personalized support in choosing scripture readings, consider reaching out to your church community. 

We also have a team of guides who can help you plan a custom memorial ceremony and assist you with selecting readings, poems, and songs. Start by learning more about planning a Forest Memorial, available trees, and pricing. Schedule a call with us.

Share this article

Free Checklist

Download our end-of-life planning checklist.

See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.

Choose a Tree Instead
of a Tombstone

Return ashes to the earth in a protected forest with Better Place Forests.

What Tree Are You?

Find your perfect match by taking our 2 minute “soul tree” quiz.

Free Checklist

Download our end-of-life planning checklist.

See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.

A woman with her hand on the tree trunk stands next to a very tall Memorial Tree located in a Better Place Forests protected location.
Find your
forever tree

Take a short survey and our team can help you find your Memorial Tree online or in-forest.

Couple and dog at Memorial Tree with Guide

Learn more about sustainable memorials

Enter your email to begin a short quiz to get personalized recommendations

See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.