🎶 21 Gospel Songs That Bring Peace in Grief (And Why You Need Them)

🎶 21 Gospel Songs That Bring Peace in Grief (And Why You Need Them)

Cortesia Oxford

The ultimate comfort playlist to soothe your spirit while planning a funeral, reflecting on loss, or simply needing a moment with God.

When you lose someone, silence can feel deafening—and music becomes a balm. Whether you're planning a funeral, navigating your first quiet morning without them, or just trying to hold it together, gospel music has always been a source of strength in the storm.

At Heavenly Farewells, we know planning a goodbye is heavy. So we created this curated playlist of gospel and comfort songs to bring you peace, presence, and praise during the process.

🌿 Why Music Matters in Mourning

Music can say what your heart can't. Studies show that gospel music, in particular, promotes spiritual healing, emotional grounding, and even physiological regulation like lowering blood pressure and calming the nervous system. It connects you to memories, faith, and community.

This playlist is built for the moments in-between—writing the obituary, selecting funeral photos, or lying in bed replaying their voice in your head.

🎧 Peaceful Gospel & Comfort Playlist

Below is a list of 21 hand-picked gospel songs that can be added to your funeral slideshow, wake service, or quiet prayer time. Each is annotated with why it works and what moment it’s perfect for.

1. “Safe in His Arms” – Rev. Milton Brunson

A timeless classic that reminds us that our loved one is now resting in God’s embrace.
✅ Perfect for: Final viewing, entrance procession, or slideshow opening.
🔗 Listen on YouTube

2. “Take Me to the King” – Tamela Mann

Raw, vulnerable, and soul-bearing. This one’s for when you need to cry and still feel holy while doing it.
✅ Perfect for: Wake reflections or journaling through grief.
🔗 Watch the video

3. “I Won’t Complain” – Rev. Paul Jones

Testimony in a song. A declaration of faith even when life feels unfair.
✅ Perfect for: Obituary writing background music or family gathering time.
🔗 Play on YouTube

4. “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” – Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount

When anxiety hits, this song reassures that you're not forgotten—even in sorrow.
✅ Perfect for: Mid-service special selection or solo.
🔗 Live version from “Sister Act 2”

5. “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” – Mahalia Jackson

This spiritual is drenched in history and comfort.
✅ Perfect for: Elders, traditional services, or quiet memorials.
🔗 View here

6. “Total Praise” – Richard Smallwood

One of the most anointed songs ever recorded. Gives instant chills and reverence.
✅ Perfect for: Choir or closing moment of the funeral.
🔗 Experience it here

7. “Order My Steps” – GMWA Women of Worship

A song for the family left behind, asking God for guidance in the days ahead.
✅ Perfect for: Wake or pre-service music.
🔗 Watch here

8. “Going Up Yonder” – Walter Hawkins

Joyful, triumphant, and hopeful. A celebration of eternal life.
✅ Perfect for: Recessional music (exit song).
🔗 Play here

9. “God Provides” – Tamela Mann

For when finances, funeral costs, or emotional strength feels stretched.
✅ Perfect for: Quiet reflection or prayer circles.
🔗 Listen here

10. “You Know My Name” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Intimate worship that reassures you of God's nearness.
✅ Perfect for: Journaling, grief journaling, and solo listening.
🔗 Click to listen

11–21: (Group suggestion section, condensed)

  • “It Is Well” – Bethel Music

  • “The Blessing” – Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes

  • “Refiner” – Maverick City

  • “Graves into Gardens” – Elevation Worship

  • “Jehovah Jireh” – Jekalyn Carr

  • “Not Lucky, I’m Loved” – Jonathan McReynolds

  • “Trouble Don’t Last Always” – Rev. Timothy Wright

  • “We Fall Down” – Donnie McClurkin

  • “My Help (Cometh from the Lord)” – Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

  • Instrumental Gospel Hymns – Timeless Praise Collection
    🔗 You can find these in the curated Youtube playlist linked below.

💡 How to Use This Playlist

  • During funeral program design

  • For candlelight memorials or photo tributes

  • As background music for reflection, journaling, or family gatherings

  • For comfort on sleepless nights

💖 Bonus: Download the Planning Peace Funeral Guide

If this playlist helped you breathe easier, wait until you see the full 40+ page Planning Peace guide from Heavenly Farewells. It’s the first-time-friendly funeral planner that walks you through:

  • What to do in the first 72 hours

  • Checklists, scripts, and questions for the funeral home

  • Program design help

  • Eulogy & obituary writing templates

  • Journaling + prayer pages

  • QR-linked templates and playlists like this one

🛒 Click here to shop Heavenly Farewells →

📦 Need Custom Funeral Programs, Too?

We’ve got you. Whether it’s a last-minute rush or a fully customized look, we offer:

✔️ Canva-editable templates
✔️ Printed & shipped bundles
✔️ Digital slideshows and tributes
✔️ Faith-based and culturally affirming designs

👉 Explore our shop and celebrate their life with peace + beauty.

Back to blog