When planning a funeral service, one of the most meaningful elements is the readings that are shared. Funeral readings offer a way to honor and remember your loved one while bringing comfort to those in attendance. The right readings can perfectly capture the essence of the person you are memorializing.
There are many types of funeral readings to consider, from traditional prayers and scripture to classic poems and passages from literature. You can also use personal writings like letters or journal entries. The key is choosing readings that reflect your loved one's personality, values, and the impact they had on others.
Religious Funeral Readings
For those with strong religious beliefs, incorporating spiritual passages into the funeral service provides solace and meaning. Here are some of the most common religious funeral readings:
Bible Passages
- Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want..."
- John 14:1-3 - "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms..."
- Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Other Religious Texts
- From the Bhagavad Gita: "The wise grieve neither for the living nor the dead. There has never been a time when you and I and the kings gathered here have not existed, nor will there be a time when we cease to exist."
- From the Quran: "Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion."
- From the Torah: "The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will extol him."
These sacred texts offer words of hope, peace, and eternal life that bring comfort in times of loss. Your loved one's faith tradition can guide you in selecting the most fitting spiritual readings.
Non-Religious Funeral Readings
Secular readings are a beautiful option for honoring someone who was not religious or if you prefer non-spiritual texts. From celebrated poets to cherished folk songs, there are many moving passages to consider.
Classic Poems
- "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye: *"I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow..."* The most famous funeral poem with a comforting message of eternal life.
- "Let Me Go" by Christina Rossetti: *"When I come to the end of the road / And the sun has set for me..."* Expresses accepting death and finding peace.
- "Funeral Blues (Stop All the Clocks)" by W.H. Auden: *"He was my North, my South, my East and West, / My working week and my Sunday rest..."* Captures the depth of grief after losing the most important person in your life.
Excerpts from Literature
- From The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "In one of those stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night."
- From The Tempest by William Shakespeare: "We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep."
- From The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran: "For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?"
Poignant literary passages can perfectly articulate complex emotions and ideas about life and death. Think about your loved one's favorite books and authors for inspiration.
Personal Writings
Perhaps the most meaningful funeral readings are the ones that come directly from the person you are memorializing. Consider using:
- Letters they wrote to family and friends over the years
- Journal entries that capture their thoughts, values, and experiences
- Speeches they gave at important occasions like weddings, graduations, etc.
- Personal mantras or favorite quotes they often referenced
- Song lyrics they connected with
Weaving your loved one's own words into the service is a powerful way to keep their voice and spirit present. It allows them to speak to you and the attendees even after they are gone.
How to Choose Funeral Readings
As you decide on readings, reflect on your loved one's life and personality:
- What were the core values and beliefs that guided them?
- How did they most impact those around them?
- What will you remember most about their character and presence?
- Which texts or passages remind you of them or capture your feelings for them?
Get input from close family and friends to select readings that represent your loved one's legacy. Involving others also allows people to feel part of the service.
Consider both the overarching tone you want for the funeral and how different readings fit together. Look for common themes across texts. You may want to include a balance of somber and more lighthearted passages to capture the spectrum of emotions and memories you are honoring.
Presenting Funeral Readings
Once you have selected your readings, decide who will present each one at the service. You can have a single officiant or multiple people share the readings. Involving different family members and friends allows more people to take part.
Make sure each person has a copy of their reading and give them time to practice before the service. Let them know it's okay to show emotion. Readings are often the most powerful part of the funeral.
You can also print the readings in the funeral program so attendees can follow along and reflect more deeply on the words.
Key Takeaways
- Funeral readings are an important element for personalizing a service and honoring your loved one
- Readings can be religious passages, classic poems, literary excerpts, or personal writings
- Choose readings that capture your loved one's spirit, values, and impact on others
- Involve family and friends in selecting and presenting readings
- Print readings in the program to allow attendees to reflect more deeply
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find a reading that fits my loved one?
If you can't find an existing text that captures your loved one, consider writing an original tribute. Share personal stories and memories that highlight what made them so special.
How long should funeral readings be?
Aim for each reading to be around 2-3 minutes. This is usually about 250-500 written words. Readings can be longer if there are only a couple, or shorter if you are including several.
Can I use humorous readings?
Absolutely. Funerals can include laughs through humorous and sweet stories. Just be sure the overall tone matches the seriousness of the occasion.
Do readings have to be literary?
No, you can share passages from anywhere that are meaningful - song lyrics, children's books, movie quotes, etc. The key is it should connect to your loved one.
What if the readings get the guests very emotional?
Funeral readings often make people cry and that's okay. Have tissues available. Emotional responses mean the readings are resonating. Lean into the power of the words you are sharing.
The right funeral readings create a moving way to honor your loved one. As author Ally Condie said: "Words are powerful. They too can be the light in a dark night." May the passages you choose bring light to your loved one's legacy and to all those gathered to remember them.
Design a funeral program that beautifully showcases your readings and your loved one's memory. Browse our elegant templates to create a heartfelt keepsake for you and your guests.