Continuing the psalms for funerals series with Psalm 121. (Note – we’re not going in numerical order.)
If you live in an area with big hills or mountains that catch your attention on a daily basis, consider Psalm 121. This psalm can give you a regular dose of inspiration and comfort.
This is my own updating of the King James version, to make references to God gender neutral. After all, are not both men and women made in the image of God?
Psalm 121:
I lift my eyes to the mountains (or hills) – from where will my help come?
My help comes from God, who made heaven and earth.
God will not allow your foot to stumble; God who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.
The Eternal is your keeper; God is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
God shall preserve you from all evil; The Eternal shall preserve your soul.
God shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and forevermore. (Alternative: God shall guard your coming in and going out, now and always.)
Other Readings
You can find this reading in any Bible that includes Psalms. You can also find it and other appropriate readings for funerals and memorial services in Gail Rubin’s books, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die and Hail and Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips.
Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist and The Doyenne of Death®, is a pioneering death educator and Certified Funeral Celebrant. If you are looking for a celebrant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gail can help you create a meaningful, memorable “good goodbye.”