Finding the right words to say goodbye to your father can feel overwhelming. Whether you are preparing to speak yourself or choosing a funeral reading for someone else to deliver, the goal is to honour your dad’s life with something meaningful. This funeral guide shares ten thoughtful funeral readings for a dad which covers a mix of poems, Bible verses, and heartfelt passages to help you express love, gratitude, and remembrance.
These readings, with their comforting and heartfelt messages, can also serve as a beautiful tribute when printed on the back of funeral bookmarks, memorial cards, or even included in the funeral order of service booklet. They provide a lasting reminder of your loved one’s life and legacy, offering peace and reassurance to all who read them.
Choosing a Reading for Dad
Choosing a reading for your dad can feel like a big decision—it’s such a personal moment. Some people find comfort in Bible verses, while others are drawn to poems or even choose to write something from the heart. There’s no right or wrong here. Just think about what your dad meant to you, what he stood for, and the kind of message you’d like to share in his honour.
Top 10 Funeral Readings for Dad
1. “His Journey’s Just Begun” – Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away,
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets,
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears,
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today,
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
A popular choice for its gentle tone and hopeful message, this poem beautifully speaks of life continuing after death, offering peace and reassurance to those who grieve.
2. Psalm 23
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 forever.
This passage offers spiritual comfort and reassurance, especially during Christian services, reminding us of the peace, rest, and guidance that faith provides.
3. “A Father’s Love” – Anonymous
A father’s love is endless,
his wisdom will live on,
in every quiet moment,
we feel that he’s not gone.
His voice, a steady comfort,
his smile, a guiding light,
his strength we still remember
when facing darkest night.
He taught us with his actions,
he led us with his heart,
and even though we’re parted,
we’re never far apart.
We carry on his kindness,
his laughter and his grace,
and in our fondest memories,
we still see his face.
So while we grieve his leaving,
we thank him every day,
for all the love he gave us,
and the path he paved our way.
This reading reflects on the invaluable role a father plays, highlighting his guidance, strength, and the lasting legacy he leaves in our hearts.
4. John 14:1–3
Jesus speaking to His disciples
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.
These comforting religious words offer assurance of eternal life, bringing peace to those grieving a father who lived with strong faith.
5. “To My Father” – Georgia Harkness
A giant pine, magnificent and old,
stood staunch against the sky and all around
shed beauty, grace, and power.
Within its fold, birds safely reared their young.
The velvet ground beneath was gentle,
and the cooling shade gave cheer to passers-by.
Its towering arms, a landmark stood,
unafraid of storm, for it was anchored deep in truth.
When it fell, the forest echoed with a mighty sound.
Then I remembered:
you are like that tree.
This beautiful tribute compares a father to a grand tree, symbolizing his strength, protection, and the deep, rooted love he offers.
6. Ecclesiastes 3:1–8
A Time for Everything
To everything, 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.
A thoughtful and insightful passage about life, death, and time, gently reminding us that grief is a natural part of the human experience.
7. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Oscar Hammerstein II
When you walk through a storm
Keep your chin up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet, silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you’ll never walk alone!
You’ll never walk alone.
Though usually sung, these lyrics make a beautiful reading. They carry a message of strength and unity, making them a perfect tribute to a dad who was always your rock.
8. “Dad” – An Original Tribute
You were our rock, our steady hand, the calm in all our storms,
Your love, unwavering, gave us strength and kept us warm.
In times of struggle, you were always there,
With wisdom, patience, and a heart that truly cared.
Now, as we carry on, we hold you in our hearts,
Though you are gone, your presence never departs.
For in the lessons you taught and the love you gave,
You continue to guide us, beyond the grave.
Personal and heartfelt, this type of reading offers a special way to speak from the heart, whether you write your own or adapt one to reflect your unique memories.
9. Romans 8:38–39
The Apostle Paul’s assurance of God’s unshakeable love
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These powerful lines beautifully remind us that love is unbreakable and that our connection with those we’ve lost remains strong, both in spirit and heart.
10. “Gone Yet Not Forgotten” – Anonymous
Gone yet not forgotten,
although we are apart,
your spirit lives within me,
forever in my heart.
Though you may be gone from sight,
you’ll always be near,
guiding us through dark days,
and comforting our fear.
The love you gave so freely
will stay with us each day,
for in our hearts, you’ll always
live on in your own way.
Gone yet not forgotten,
your memory will shine,
for in every thought and prayer,
you’ll always be divine.
This short but heartfelt reading gently reminds us that love doesn’t fade with time or distance; it lives on in our hearts, even when our loved one is no longer with us.
Can I write my own reading for Dad?
Yes, absolutely. Writing your own reading can be a healing and personal experience. You might want to include memories, things he taught you, or words you never got to say. There’s no right or wrong, just speak from the heart.
Should funeral readings be religious?
Not always. If your dad or your family holds religious beliefs, a Bible verse or religious poem may feel appropriate. However, many people choose non-religious funeral readings that reflect emotions, shared memories, or values like love, kindness, and resilience.
Where are readings usually placed during a funeral service?
Funeral readings typically take place during the middle of the service, often after a eulogy or musical tribute. They may be printed inside the order of service, allowing guests to follow along or reflect on them later.
Whether you select a traditional scripture, a poem, or write your own, the right reading can offer comfort to everyone present and create a lasting moment that honours your dad’s legacy. If you’re planning the service, consider including the reading in a funeral order of service printing to give guests something meaningful to hold onto.
Looking for help creating a professional, heartfelt funeral booklet? Explore free funeral order of service templates and examples tailored to celebrate the life of someone truly special.
