The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a funeral or memorial service are listed on this page for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page. You can also view the scriptures for “Crying During a Worship Service.”

Calls to Worship

Prayers of Adoration

Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God

Introductions to Singing

Confessions of Sin

Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions

Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace

Introductions to Scripture Readings

Introductions Before Offerings

Prayers of Dedication

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Prayers of Requests

Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving

Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God

Exhortations

Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God

Benedictions and Blessings

Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.

 

The Best Calls to Worship for a Funeral or Memorial Service

20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Job 1:20-21

I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:1-2, 4-5, 11-12

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy . . . , because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:6a, 9-14*

Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. 12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 13 Have compassion on your servants. 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:1-2, 4, 12, 13c-14*

 

The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions
for a
Funeral or Memorial Service

23 I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:23-25

12 LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. Habakkuk 1:12ab*

28 [S]ince we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28*

Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. Exodus 34:5-7a, 8*

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:2–3

15 [Y]ou, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15*

 

The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions for Funeral or Memorial Service

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— . . . .” 2 Samuel 22:2-3*

20 Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Job 1:20b-21*

16 I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17 You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:16-17*

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,” Luke 2:29-30

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4

Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using

I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7

 

The Best Introductions to Singing for a Funeral
or Memorial Service

Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For . . . weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:4-5, 11-12*

16 I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17 You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:16-17*

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you . . . . Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:1, 3, 7*

[M]ay the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, . . . ; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. 19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. 26 Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly . . . . 32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Psalm 68:3-4, 19-20, 26, 32*

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18

Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:5-6

13 Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

 

The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions
for a 
Funeral or Memorial Service

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins. Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people. Isaiah 64:6-9

14 [S]ince we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16*

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1

Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using

29 “[W]hen a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people . . . —being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands . . . —30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart),” 2 Chronicles 6:29-30*

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

25 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” Luke 9:25

 

The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for a Funeral or Memorial Service

On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:7-8a, 9*

14 “I will deliver . . . people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?” Hosea 13:14*

39 “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:39-40

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:14-15, 28-29

23 [T]the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10*

Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using

15 God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:15

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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. Romans 8:35, 37-39

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

 

The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and
Passing God’s Peace for 
a Funeral or Memorial Service

11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. Job 2:11-13

[M]y mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. Job 16:5

11 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him [Job] in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. Job 42:11*

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. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

14 [I]t was good of you to share in my troubles. Philippians 4:14*

Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

21 Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. Acts 14:21b-22a*

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Romans 14:7

 

The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings
for a Funeral or Memorial Service

77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. Psalm 119:77

156 Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws. Psalm 119:156

165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165

24 “[E]veryone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25*

47 “As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Luke 6:47-48

[E]verything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4*

Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using

76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

 

The Best Introductions Before Offerings for a Funeral or Memorial Service

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 22 The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ 23 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ” Matthew 25:14-23

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:32-34

42 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” Luke 12:42-44

Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9

What do you have that you did not receive? 1 Corinthians 4:7b*

 

The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions
for a 
Funeral or Memorial  Service

18 [A]nother messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Job 1:18-21*

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:10-14

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

“The one who is victorious will . . . be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5*

11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11

Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

11 “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Revelation 2:11

21 “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. Revelation 21:7

 

The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions
for a Funeral or Memorial Service

I will be glad and rejoice in your [the LORD’s] love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5, 11

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5

[N]one of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-8*

Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using

I love you, LORD, my strength. Psalm 18:1

19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? 20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. Psalm 71:19-21

 

The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions
f
or a Funeral or Memorial Service

The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are so many of “The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions” that apply very well for a Memorial or Funeral Service that there are many more than this listed below.

14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 10:14

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. Psalm 31:9

“Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”  Psalm 39:4-7

12 “Hear my prayer, LORD, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping.” Psalm 39:12a *

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. Psalm 77:1-2

28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28

76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76

107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. Psalm 119:107

I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; . . . . Psalm 142:5-6*

18 The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord. [L]et your tears flow like a river day and night; give yourself no relief, your eyes no rest. 19 Arise, cry out in the night, . . . ; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lamentations 2:18-19a*

55 I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. 56 You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” 57 You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57

Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1

These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Psalm 42:4

22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, Psalm 107:13-15

21 Sovereign LORD, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. Psalm 109:21-22*

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “LORD, save me!” The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living. 12 What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. 17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, Psalm 116:1-9, 12-13, 17-18

153 Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. 156 Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws. Psalm 119:153, 156

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2

15 LORD, you understand; remember me and care for me. Jeremiah 15:15a*

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60

 

The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their Introductions for a Funeral or Memorial Service

How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:1-2a, 5-6*

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. 14 But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; . . . . 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love . . . . 22 [Y]ou heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. 23 Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him . . . . 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:9, 14-16, 21, 22b-24*

“Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:4-7

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:1-5

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; 2 hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” 16 As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. 22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:1-2, 4-8, 16-17, 22

Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using

25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:25-28

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

 

The Best Affirmations, Encouragementsand Promises of God for a
Funeral or Memorial Service

The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are so many of “The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God” that apply very well for a Memorial or Funeral Service that there are many more than this listed below.

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead . . . . 11 [Y]ou will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:8-11*

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:6-9

25 Jesus said . . . , “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26a*

1 “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.” John 14:1-3

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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. Romans 8:38-39

1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 4-8

[W]e are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:11-13

“The one who is victorious will . . . be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5*

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation 14:13

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘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.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:3-5

Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using

24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

10 “[D]do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10*

13 “ ‘[Y]ou, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them.’ ” Ezekiel 37:13*

26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26

27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44a, 49*

50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

57 [T]hanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57*

17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17

25 [T]his is what he promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25*

12 “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.” Revelation 3:12

21 “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21

 

The Best Exhortations for a Funeral or Memorial Service

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5b*

11 Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11b*

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5b*

22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4

25 “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” John 12:25-26

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

[W]e are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8*

13 [O]ne thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14*

Other Exhortations to Consider Using

11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2

 

The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
for a 
Funeral or Memorial Service

19 Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 24–25

Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using

47 “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!” 2 Samuel 22:47

46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! Psalm 18:46

13 The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. 14 The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:13b-14*

 

The Best Benedictions and Blessings for a
Funeral or Memorial Service

27 “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27a*

27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

19 Jesus [after his resurrection] came and stood among them [his disciples] and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19*

21 Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:21a*

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

4 Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:4*

Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Ephesians 1:18

To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. Revelation 21:6c-7*