Music for the last moments of life

In the midst of our sadness, when we sit beside a dying person, we encourage the person, and ourselves, with the words of hymns and songs that point the way to heaven and the inheritance that we have in the Lord.

Music not only alleviates distress, calming the soul and giving a sense of normalcy ^[1] but, for the Christian, it also points the way to heaven and, more importantly, to our Saviour.

During the last months of my wife Deborah’s life on earth, a friend sent her a video of him singing and playing on his guitar Guide me, O Great Redeemer. I looked up and observed her mouthing the words of this great hymn of encouragement as she took more steps towards seeing her Lord.

Other inspirations were friends sending videos on WhatsApp as they sang Christian songs, occasionally singing through the tears.

Another example was that our house group met several times around Deborah’s bed to sing as we commemorated the Lord’s Supper. It was appropriate that we sang There is a Redeemer, the reminder that we shall praise Him forever in glory.

The time of song should not be an embarrassing moment that needs to be covered somehow, but a conscious encouragement to the dying person of the glory that will soon be, and the reminder of the confident hope to those who gather around the bed.

Things to consider

It would be a good idea to ask the person what songs they would find encouraging; and do not be offended if they reply that they do not want any music – it is their choice.

Also, be sensitive, as this occasion might not be the time for heavy metal and loud drums, but a quiet and sensitive moment as earth touches heaven.

There are many hymns and songs that are appropriate such as It is Well with My Soul; How Great Thou Art; He Will Hold Me Fast; In Christ Alone, and so on.

The song may have many associations with life events and significant places (such as weddings, or youth groups). The music being played to people with conditions like dementia can spark memory recall as multiple brain regions are connected. ^[2]

The feelings (e.g. peace, assurance), inspired by the music and words, can be just as powerful as memory association.

We have the responsibility of preparing now for the scenarios that we will face in the future, however close or distant. As Kevin DeYoung has written: "Pastors, parents, worship leaders: are you teaching any songs that can be sung a cappella around a hospital bed in fifty years?"

If you doubt your musical ability, you could always send the person songs on YouTube to be watched, preferably together so that you will both be blessed. Alternatively, you could read out the words of the song or hymn to bless the person.

To worship the Lord in song during our final days on earth is a taste of when we will worship King Jesus on His throne.

1. Music for the end: Marie Curie releases first ever playlist designed for last moments of life, Marie Curie Nurses
2. Striking the right chord: Music, movement and dementia, Alzheimer's Society

See also:

• Lou Fellingham, Anchored in Worship in Is it Well with Your Soul? Discovering peace in the eye of the storm (Care for the Family, Newport, 2025) pp 53 – 61
• 5 Hymns to Sing at the End of Life, Laura Story (Crossway articles)

Editor's note: This is a very moving article. When my own father was dying a couple of years ago - at this time of year, as it happens, we put together a Spotify playlist of some of his favourite hymns and pieces of Christian music. If it is helpful for anyone, it is online here.