Home Funeral

A home funeral  really speaks to old-fashioned values of frugality, simplicity, a love of family, a desire to do it yourself,  self-sufficiency, and a respect for tradition.

In the times of our forefathers, having a funeral in the home was quite common. It has only been since the twentieth century that the funeral home has taken over the role, that previously was done by the family.

If you would like to hold a home funeral, there is no reason not to. You may write your own service.

An Outline of a Christian Home Funeral Service

The following is an outline of a typical religious portion of the service in the Christian custom. A minister or a priest may lead the service, however it is not absolutely necessary. If you prefer, it can be performed by any person outside of the clergy.

A favorite hymn or song may be song 

Then a suitable reading would be Psalm 23 or Psalm 121:

Minister:

The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul: and bring me forth 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 comfort me. Thous shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me: thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23)

or

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills: from whence cometh my help. My help cometh even from the Lord: who hath made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: and he that keepeth thee will not sleep. Behold, he that keepeth Israel: shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord himself is thy keeper: the Lord is thy defense at thy right hand; So that the sun shall not burn thee by day: neither the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in: from this time forth for evermore. (Psalm 121)

The reading ends:

Minister: Give him, o Lord, your peace and let your eternal light shine upon him.

Everyone says:" Amen."

Prayer

Minister: Let us pray.

O God, you know what fills our hearts as we are now gathered here around (the name of the Deceased). Thank you for the grace and mercy you bestowed on him in life. Thank you for the goodness and joy, that you gave to all of us through him. Help us now to be still, that in our sorrow, we may know your presence. Into your hands we entrust him, who has now left this earthly life. Take him to yourself and give him life by your life. Lead us safely through darkness and danger to our home in your heavenly kingdom. Everyone: "Amen."

Hymn or Song

The Lord's Prayer

Minister: Let us say the Lord's Prayer together: Everyone: Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Prayer Minister: The peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

or

In peace I will lie down and sleep and in peace I will take my rest for you Lord make me dwell in safety.

End with a Hymn or Song

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 Additional Prayers

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