Funeral hymns families choose most often

John Newton's hymn from 1779, known in nearly every church and played on the pipes at many military and police funerals.

A Swedish hymn put into English in 1949, then sung at Billy Graham's crusades. A favorite for someone of deep, quiet faith.

Henry Lyte wrote it in 1847 as his health failed. One of the hymns British families choose most, and sung at the FA Cup final since 1927.

Michael Joncas wrote it in 1976 for the funeral of a friend's father, drawing on Psalm 91. Now heard at many Catholic funerals.

Horatio Spafford wrote it after his four daughters were lost at sea in 1873. Families choose it because it came out of real grief.

Psalm 23 from the Scottish Psalter of 1650, sung to the tune Crimond. Heard at Queen Elizabeth II's wedding in 1947 and at her funeral.

C. Austin Miles wrote it in 1912, picturing Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. A gentle favorite of many grandmothers and keen gardeners.

George Bennard wrote it in 1912, and small-town churches across America have sung it since. Fits a father or grandfather of steady faith.

Cecil Frances Alexander wrote it for children in 1848. A bright hymn for someone who loved their garden, the countryside or their animals.

Eleanor Farjeon's hymn from 1931, set to an old Gaelic tune and made famous by Cat Stevens in 1971. A gentle choice to walk in to.

Thomas Chisholm wrote the words in 1923, and churches of many kinds still sing it. Suits a parent whose faith held through good years and hard ones.

Bob Dufford, a Jesuit, wrote it in 1975. Often sung at Catholic funerals as the casket is brought into church.

Dan Schutte wrote it in 1981, and Catholic and Protestant churches both sing it. Suits a teacher, a nurse or anyone who spent a life helping others.

Joseph Scriven wrote it in 1855 to comfort his mother in Ireland. A gentle, familiar hymn for someone who prayed every day.

The prayer of St. Francis, set to music by Sebastian Temple in 1967. Sung in Catholic and Anglican churches alike, for someone who lived for others.

An 18th-century German hymn, sung in English to Sibelius's Finlandia. Its slow, steady tune suits a quiet moment in the service.

Sarah Flower Adams wrote it in 1841. The Titanic's band is said to have played it as the ship went down. A tender hymn for a quiet farewell.

Fanny Crosby, blind from infancy, wrote the words in 1873. A cheerful old hymn for someone whose faith made them glad.

John Ellerton's evening hymn from 1870, sung at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. A calm close for someone who lived a long, full life.

Jan Struther, who created Mrs. Miniver, wrote it in 1931 to the Irish tune Slane. A gentle choice for a mother or grandmother.

William Blake's words, set by Hubert Parry in 1916. A rousing English hymn to end a service, for someone who loved their country.

Cecil Spring Rice's poem, set in 1921 to Holst's tune from Jupiter. Sung at Remembrance services and often chosen for someone who served.

Words by the American poet John Greenleaf Whittier, sung in Britain to Parry's tune Repton. One of the quietest hymns, good for reflection.

Augustus Toplady's hymn, printed in full in 1776 and sung by generations since. A familiar choice for a grandparent raised on the old hymns.

An old Irish prayer, put into English verse in 1912 and sung to the folk tune Slane. A quiet hymn of devotion for an Irish family or any church.

Will Thompson wrote it in 1880, and it closed many a revival meeting. A tender choice for a mother or grandmother who sang it in church.

Robert Lowry wrote it in 1864, and it is still sung at funerals across America. A hopeful hymn about meeting again.

A Welsh hymn sung to the tune Cwm Rhondda, the same one rugby crowds sing. Rousing for a Welsh family or anyone who loved a good sing.

Henry Baker's version of Psalm 23 from 1868, sung at Princess Diana's funeral. A gentle choice for a church or crematorium service.

Marty Haugen's setting of Psalm 23 from 1986, with a refrain the congregation picks up quickly. Heard at many Catholic funerals.

Sister Suzanne Toolan wrote it in 1964. Often sung at Communion during a funeral Mass, with a refrain everyone can join.

Sung at the final commendation, as the family says goodbye before the casket leaves the church. This setting is by Ernest Sands.

Carey Landry's song to Mary from 1975, simple and gentle. A natural choice for a Catholic mother or grandmother.

Sydney Carter set his words to the Shaker tune Simple Gifts in 1963. A lively hymn to walk out to, for someone who loved life.

The Navy Hymn, written by William Whiting in 1860 and sung by the Royal Navy and the US Navy. For a sailor, a veteran or a lover of the sea.

Isaac Watts's version of Psalm 90, sung at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. A steady choice for someone who served or lived a long life.

An Easter hymn sung to a tune from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus. Often chosen to end a service on a note of hope as the coffin leaves.

An 18th-century German hymn of praise, long sung at the end of Mass in Catholic parishes. A strong choice for the recessional.

William Walsham How's hymn from 1864, sung to Vaughan Williams's tune Sine Nomine. A stately hymn for the opening procession.

Seán Ó Riada set this short Irish-language prayer to music for his 1968 Mass. A quiet choice for a funeral Mass in Ireland.