Funeral program
Funeral readings
A funeral reading is a short text read aloud by a family member or friend, usually between the welcome and the eulogy. Religious services often use scripture chosen with the officiant; secular services use prose or poetry. Choose something that can be read in one to three minutes and that the reader can say without stumbling.
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On this page
The examples on this page were written for TributePen. The people, names and details in them are invented: use them as a starting point, never as someone's real story.
Choosing a reading
- Ask the officiant first. Many churches and parishes have a list of readings they use for funerals.
- Read it aloud before choosing. Some beautiful texts are hard to follow when heard once.
- Choose the reader too. A reading is a good role for someone who wants to take part without writing a eulogy.
- Print it in the funeral program, or list its title in the order of service.
Scripture (King James Version, public domain)
These passages are quoted from the King James Version, which is in the public domain in the United States. Your church may use a different translation; ask the officiant.
Psalm 23 is the most often read psalm at funerals.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks of every season of life, and suits religious and many secular services.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
John 14:1-3 is often read at Christian funerals as a promise of reunion.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
A classic prose passage
From John Donne, "Meditation XVII" (1624), in modern spelling. It speaks of how one death touches everyone, and suits community and secular services.
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
Original readings you may use freely
These readings were written for TributePen; read, print or adapt them without asking.
What Remains
simple≈ 41 sec read aloudWhen someone we love dies, we look for what is left. It is not only in the photographs, or the clothes still hanging in the closet, or the handwriting on an old birthday card. It is in us. In the way we set a table, or answer the phone, or forgive. It is in the joke we will tell at the next family dinner, because they would have told it. What remains of a person is what they taught us to do. So we will do it, and in that way, they are still here.
The Seasons
lyrical≈ 32 sec read aloudEvery garden knows this. The summer does not end because it failed. It ends because it was complete. The leaves let go, not in defeat, but because they have done what leaves do. And the tree remembers every one of them, in its rings, in its shape, in the shade it will give next year. Today we are the tree. We will remember in our shape, and in the shade we give to others.
A Grandchild's Reading
warmMy grandma taught me to say please and thank you, to hold the door, and to never leave a room without saying goodbye. So today I want to follow her rule. Goodbye, Grandma. Thank you for everything you taught me. I will hold the door for someone today, and I will think of you.
For poems, see funeral poems; for the speech, how to write a eulogy.
Common questions
Who chooses the readings at a funeral?
The family, usually with the officiant. In many churches the officiant offers a list of approved readings; in a funeral home or secular service, the family is freer.
How many readings are there at a funeral?
Often one to three, sometimes one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament in a Christian service. A secular service might have one reading and one poem.
Can a child do a reading at a funeral?
Yes, if they want to. Choose a short text, print it in a large font and let them practice with an adult. Another adult can stand beside them.
Related guides
- Funeral poemsClassic public-domain poems and original verses you can print.
- Funeral order of service examplesSample orders for church, Catholic, graveside and celebration services.
- Free editable funeral program templateBuild and print a four-panel program in your browser.
- How to Write a EulogyThe five-part structure, the right length, and how to get through it.
Would you rather not do this yourself?
A celebrant, a funeral home or a eulogy writer can help in person. Leave a short request and a partner professional may get in touch. Free to ask, no obligation; TributePen only passes it on.