Funeral hymns are songs sung in religious services. A hymn according to Wikipedia is a type of song usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. The word hymn derives from greek word, (hymnos), "a song of praise". Collections of hymns are known as a hymnal or hymnbooks.

Hymns are a popular choice of music for funerals because it includes words of encouragement and hope for the bereaving family members and friends. Currently, folk songs, jazz, soul, rock, country, and classical songs have all made a contribution to hymns in some form. Hymns can be sung by any individual you designate or as a collective group within the funeral service.

If you would like funeral hymns to be sung by the attendees, it is helpful to include the hymn lyrics inside your funeral programs. Some guests or attendees may not be familiar with hymn music and inserting the lyrics within the funeral program helps provide them with the words and also the flow of the order of service.

It is also acceptable to have hymn music played from a CD as well as having a small instrumental ensemble lead music for the hymn songs. Whatever your budget and resources allow is quite acceptable.

Below are selections from the most popular funeral hymns suitable for a funeral service for your consideration:

- "Abide in Me"
- "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
- "Because He Lives"
- "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
- "How Great Thou Art"
- "Nearer My God to Thee"
- "Old Rugged Cross"
- "Just a Closer Walk With Thee"
- "Peace in the Valley"
- "Amazing Grace"
- "Be Though My Vision"
- "Great is Thy Faithfulness"

These are popular funeral hymns suitable for a religious funeral service and are suggestions for those who plan to incorporate musical pieces into the funeral or memorial service program. You elect to have these songs led and played by a pianist, violinist, organist, or instrumental group.

It is also helpful to consider what type of music your loved one preferred. If the deceased had a church affiliation, then funeral hymns or sacred music would be an appropriate choice. Today, you will also find that music other than gospel or hymns also contain some religious themes as well. You may decide to include some song selections from classical or even country music, which are both perfectly acceptable for a funeral service.

Traditionally, music from the classical era that are used for funeral services are selections written in a 'minor' key. Minor key music are tones that reflect more of a melancholy, somber and subdued sound. Some religious themed classical selections might include any of the following:

- "Agnus Dei" is the famous text from the Catholic liturgy
- "Choral Evensong for Ascension Day"
- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
- "I Know My Redeemer Liveth" by Handel's Messiah
- "Pie Jesu" Part of the requiem mass
- "Requiem" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- "Johann Sebastian Bach's organ pieces are often used at funerals and memorial services.
- "The Lord's Prayer"
- "The Twenty-Third Psalm"

Funeral hymns and other music selections from various types of music genres can often help express our feelings and emotions within their lyrics. Having musical selections in the funeral service adds a special time for reflection, provides comfort and encouragement and provides the order of service a variety in its presentation.