Comforting Scripture Passages for Funeral Programmes & Memorial Services

Choosing the right Scripture for a funeral programme is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. The passages you select set the spiritual tone of the service and offer comfort to everyone who reads the programme. Whether the person who passed had a favourite verse or you are searching for something that captures their faith, this guide organises the most commonly used Scripture references by theme so you can find the right fit quickly.

Below you will find references grouped under five themes: Comfort, Hope, Peace, Strength, and Eternal Life. Each entry includes the book, chapter, and verse along with a brief description of what the passage is about. You can look up the full text in your preferred Bible translation and add it to your funeral programme using the FuneralPress editors.

Comfort

• Psalm 23:1-6 — The Lord as shepherd and provider
• Psalm 34:18 — God is near the brokenhearted
• Psalm 46:1-3 — God is our refuge and strength
• Isaiah 41:10 — Do not fear, God is with you
• Matthew 5:4 — Blessed are those who mourn
• Matthew 11:28-30 — Come to me, all who are weary
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 — The God of all comfort
• Psalm 147:3 — He heals the brokenhearted
• Deuteronomy 31:8 — The Lord goes before you

Hope

• Romans 8:28 — All things work together for good
• Romans 15:13 — The God of hope fills you with joy
• Jeremiah 29:11 — Plans to give you a future and hope
• Lamentations 3:22-23 — His mercies are new every morning
• Psalm 27:13-14 — Wait for the Lord and be strong
• Hebrews 6:19 — Hope as an anchor for the soul
• 1 Peter 1:3-4 — A living hope through resurrection
• Psalm 119:50 — God's promise gives life in affliction

Peace

• John 14:27 — My peace I give to you
• Philippians 4:6-7 — The peace that surpasses understanding
• Isaiah 26:3 — Perfect peace for steadfast minds
• Psalm 29:11 — The Lord blesses His people with peace
• Numbers 6:24-26 — The Lord lift His countenance upon you
• Colossians 3:15 — Let the peace of Christ rule
• Romans 8:6 — The mind set on the Spirit is peace
• Psalm 4:8 — In peace I will lie down and sleep
• 2 Thessalonians 3:16 — The Lord of peace give you peace

Strength

• Isaiah 40:28-31 — Those who wait shall renew their strength
• Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ
• Psalm 73:26 — God is the strength of my heart
• 2 Timothy 1:7 — A spirit of power and love
• Psalm 18:2 — The Lord is my rock and fortress
• Nehemiah 8:10 — The joy of the Lord is your strength
• Psalm 121:1-2 — My help comes from the Lord
• Joshua 1:9 — Be strong and courageous

Eternal Life

• John 3:16 — God gave His only Son for eternal life
• John 11:25-26 — I am the resurrection and the life
• John 14:1-3 — In my Father's house are many rooms
• Revelation 21:4 — No more death, tears, or pain
• 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 — Death, where is your sting?
• Romans 8:38-39 — Nothing can separate us from God's love
• 2 Corinthians 5:1 — An eternal house in the heavens
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 — Hope for those who have fallen asleep
• Psalm 116:15 — Precious is the death of His saints

How to Use These References in Your Programme

Once you have chosen the passages that feel right, open the FuneralPress brochure or booklet editor and add them to the Scripture section of your programme. You can include one or two key references on the cover and place additional passages inside. Many families also pair a Scripture reference with a favourite hymn — browse the FuneralPress hymn library for ideas.