The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a Memorial Day Worship Service are listed 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.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
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 Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
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 Memorial Day
26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. 27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets. 2 Chronicles 20:26-28
7 Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:7-10
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
1 “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. 2 There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1–2*
1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.” 8 Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; Psalm 66:1-4, 8
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 14 The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1, 14-16, 24, 28-29
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions
for Memorial Day
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
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*
Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using
5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 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, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” 8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. Exodus 34:5-7a, 8*
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*
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
and Their Introductions for Memorial Day
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*
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
1 “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. 2 There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1-2*
36 Praise be to the LORD, the God . . . from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the LORD.” 1 Chronicles 16:36*
5 “Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” Nehemiah 9:5-6*
The Best Introductions to Singing for Memorial Day
26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. 27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets. 2 Chronicles 20:26-28
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. 5 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*
1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you . . . . 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:1, 3, 7*
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions
for Memorial Day
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
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for Memorial Day
2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
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
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
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
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 Memorial Day
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our LORD. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
5 [M]y mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. Job 16:5*
7 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 Memorial Day
165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165
8 “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8
49 “I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” John 12:49-50*
24 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:24-25
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5
89 Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119:89
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. Psalm 119:111-112
160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Psalm 119:160
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
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for Memorial Day
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
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
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
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions
for Memorial Day
39 “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39
12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:12-13, 17
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
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
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul—26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15:25-26
13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24–25
24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24
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
7 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 Memorial Day
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” Psalm 118:15-16
57 [T]hanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57*
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions
for Memorial Day
31 “[M]ay all your enemies perish, LORD! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Judges 5:31ab*
10 “They cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned; we have forsaken the LORD . . . . But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, and we will serve you.’ 11 Then the LORD . . . delivered you from the hands of your enemies all around you, so that you lived in safety.” 1 Samuel 12: 10-11*
4 “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:4
34 “When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to you . . . , 35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.” 2 Chronicles 6:34-35*
7 “The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” 2 Chronicles 14:7b*
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
35 “Rise up, LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” Numbers 10:35
17 The king also wrote letters ridiculing the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying this against him: “Just as the gods of the peoples of the other lands did not rescue their people from my hand, so the god of Hezekiah will not rescue his people from my hand.” 18 Then they called out in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to terrify them and make them afraid in order to capture the city. 19 They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as they did about the gods of the other peoples of the world—the work of human hands. 20 King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. 21 And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword. 2 Chronicles 32:16-21
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45a*
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions for Memorial Day
1 May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 19 Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 28 Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. 35 You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; . . . God . . . gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! Psalm 68:1, 3, 19, 28, 35*
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. 2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. 3 LORD, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? 4 They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. 5 Part your heavens, LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. 6 Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy; shoot your arrows and rout them. 7 Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners 9 I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, 10 to the One who gives victory . . . , who delivers his servant . . . . Psalm 144:1-7, 9-10*
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises
of God for Memorial Day
4 “[T]he LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4*
6 “Be strong and courageous. [F]or the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:6, 8*
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12
7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because . . . there is a greater power with us . . . . 8 [W]ith us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” 2 Chronicles 32:7-8a*
10 He [God] has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 2 Corinthians 1:10
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
12 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 60:12
13 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 108:13
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
The Best Exhortations for Memorial Day
10 “One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. 11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.” Joshua 23:10-11
7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” 2 Chronicles 32:7-8a*
13 [S]tand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13*
3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
21 “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b*
11 “Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.” 2 Chronicles 19:11b*
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:34-35
23 [H]e [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” Luke 9:23-24*
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
for Memorial Day
7 Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:7-10
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
16 “To him [God] belong strength and insight; . . . .” Job 12:16*
35 You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; . . . God . . . gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! Psalm 68:35*
5 “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you . . . 6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:5-6*
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for Memorial Day
6 To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. Revelation 21:6c-7*
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
27 “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27a*