Calls to Worship for Funerals and Memorial Services
Introduction
In times of loss, the gathered worship of God’s people becomes a place of both grief and grace. A funeral or memorial service is not only a moment of remembrance—it is a proclamation of hope rooted in Scripture.
These six calls to worship, grounded in the Psalms, the words of Jesus, and Reformed confessions, offer gentle structure and sacred language for services of mourning. Each one invites the congregation to turn their hearts to the God who holds us in life, in death, and in resurrection.
As we stand in front of the grieving, we are proclaimers of hope. We articulate the serious matters of our faith. May God help us as we serve.
Call to Worship for Times of Deep Grief
Psalm 34:18; Romans 8:26; Lamentations 3:21–23
One: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.
All: God is close to all who are crushed in spirit.
One: There are times when words fall short—
All: But even then, the Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for speech.
One: Still, this we call to mind, and therefore we have hope:
All: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
One: God’s mercies are new every morning—
All: Great is God’s faithfulness, even now.
One: So we come, with sorrow and silence, with questions and prayers.
All: We come to worship the God who holds us in the mystery.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23
One: The Lord is our shepherd—we shall not want.
All: He makes us lie down in green pastures; He leads us beside still waters.
One: Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death—
All: We will fear no evil, for God is with us.
One: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life—
All: And we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
John 11:25–26
One: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
All: “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.”
One: In Christ, death is not the end but the doorway.
All: In Christ, love is not lost, and life is not gone.
One: We gather in sorrow, but not without hope.
All: For we belong to the risen Lord.
God Is Our Refuge and Strength
Psalm 46:1–2, 10
One: God is our refuge and strength—
All: A very present help in times of trouble.
One: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change.
All: Though mountains fall and waters roar, God remains faithful.
One: Be still, and know that He is God.
All: In life and in death, we belong to God.
Nothing Can Separate Us
Romans 8:38–39
One: Neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come—
All: Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation—
One: Will be able to separate us from the love of God
All: In Christ Jesus our Lord.
One: This is the hope we cling to in grief and love.
All: God’s love holds us now and forever.
The Light Shines in the Darkness
John 1:5; John 8:12
One: The light shines in the darkness—
All: And the darkness did not overcome it.
One: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
All: “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
One: Even in our mourning, the light of Christ shines.
All: We gather to remember, to grieve, and to trust in that Light.
In Life and in Death, We Belong to God
Romans 14:7–8; Heidelberg Catechism Q
One: We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.
All: Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
One: Our only comfort in life and in death
All: Is that we belong—body and soul—to our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
One: Let us worship in trust and in thanksgiving.
All: God is faithful from first breath to final rest.
Conclusion
The promises of God do not falter in the face of death. They shine all the brighter. These calls to worship remind us that even in sorrow, we are not without hope. We worship a God who walks with us through the valley, who weeps at the tomb, and who rises to bring new life.
Serving others in times of great need is often difficult. May this page be a help to you as you help others in the name of Christ.
