30 Modern Worship Songs & Hymns for Easter (with Scripture References)

Easter Sunday is right around the corner. As you prepare for your service, meditating on the glory of the cross, take a look at these Good Friday and Easter worship songs and hymns. Some are traditional, some are contemporary, and some are somewhere in between—but all are excellent options to celebrate Resurrection Sunday.

Plus, you’ll find at least one Scripture reference for each song. This can help you see the bigger picture behind the lyrics. Sure, we know why we sing songs on Easter—it’s all about Jesus. But his story is found throughout Scripture, as you’ll see from the inspiration of these thirty songs. Click the reference link to open the verse in the Logos web app for a deeper understanding of the songs you may find yourself singing this Holy Week.

Songs for Good Friday

Good Friday invites a more somber and reflective tone to worship than what many of us are used to in our weekly worship. While you’ll likely still sing many of these throughout the year, come Good Friday you may notice a missing verse or two. Often instrumentally stripped down or without lyrics that mention the resurrection, songs like these invite you to meditate on the work of Christ on the cross before the celebration to come Sunday morning.

1. “All Hail King Jesus,” Bethany Wohrle, Bethel Music

By Jeremy Riddle, Peter Mattis, Ran Jackson, and Steffany Gretzinger

“All Hail King” Jesus is a dynamic song that walks through the somberness of Good Friday, bringing worshipers into a celebratory anthem of Christ’s resurrection and status as King.

See Related Scripture: Philippians 2:9–11

2. “All-Sufficient Merit,” Shane & Shane

By Bethany Barnard, Shane Barnard, and Bryan Fowler

“All-Sufficient Merit” tunes into a type of lyrical depth you may expect to see more in a classic hymn focusing on the theme of Christ’s finished work.

See Related Scripture: John 19:30; 2 Corinthians 12:9

3. “By the Cross,” Red Rocks Worship

By Jake Espy

“By the Cross” reflects on Christ taking our place so that we’d no longer be bound by sin, but instead would be set free in him.

See Related Scripture: Galatians 6:13

4. “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” Anna Golden

By Stuart Townend

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” reminds us of why Christ suffered the cross and rose again: love.

See Related Scripture: Ephesians 4:2; 1 John 4:19

5. “It Was Finished upon That Cross,” CityAlight

By Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Nigel Hendroff

Highlighting our freedom from the curse of sin and death, “It Was Finished Upon That Cross” has a unique celebratory feel for the hope that Sunday (and eternity) is coming.

See Related Scripture: John 19:28–30

6. “Jesus Paid It All,” Kings Kaleidoscope

By Alex Nifong, John Thomas Grape, and Elvina M. Hall

This classic hymn, often with the addition of an anthemic bridge, “Jesus Paid It All,” reminds us of the “wages of sin” that Christ paid on the cross.

See Related Scripture: Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 12:7

7. “Lead Me to the Cross,” Brooke Ligertwood

By Brooke Ligertwood

“Lead Me to the Cross” reminds Christians that the most valuable treasure we have is our intimacy with Christ and our identification with what he did on the cross.

See Related Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24

8. “Power of the Cross,” Shane & Shane

This worship song personalizes Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, praises him for our freedom, and offers a powerful lead-in to other Easter songs and hymns.

See related Scripture: Colossians 2:13–14; Matthew 27:41–44; John 3:19

9. “Thank You Jesus for the Blood,” Charity Gayle

By Bryan McCleery, Charity Gayle, David Gentiles, Ryan Kennedy, and Steven Musso

The first verse of “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” draws on similar themes of “Amazing Grace,” leading Christians to a powerful reminder that, no matter our past, we are brought near to God through the blood of Christ.

See Related Scripture: Ephesians 2:13

10. “The Wonderful Cross,” Chris Tomlin

By Chris Tomlin, Isaac Watts, J. D. Walt, Jesse Reeves, and Lowell Mason

“The Wonderful Cross” incorporates the 1707 hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” It helps us remember the dual nature of the cross, reflecting on both the sorrow and the joy we can find in it.

See Related Scripture: Luke 9:23–24; Psalm 118:28–29

Songs for Easter

Sunday is here! And with it, songs of celebration for the resurrected King Jesus. Here are twenty songs, hymns, and modern classic Easter worship songs. Perfect for use in a Sunday worship service or listening on your own as you prepare your heart for the season.

11. “Agnus Dei/King of Kings,” Hillsong Worship

By Michael W. Smith, Jason Ingram, Brooke Ligertwood, and Scott Ligertwood

“King of Kings” exalts our risen Savior for who he is, the king above all others.

See related Scripture from: Acts 2:24–28; Luke 24:1–8; Acts 2:42–47

12. “Because He Lives,” The Worship Initiative

By Gloria Gaither and William Gaither

This triumphant hymn, sung year-round, is especially appropriate for Easter.

See related Scripture: Hebrews 7:21

13. “Blessed Redeemer,” Simple Hymns

By John Hartley, Chris Eaton, and Chris McClarney

This hymn is a powerful lead-in to songs and hymns celebrating the resurrection.

See related Scripture: Galatians 3:13

14. “Christ Is Risen,” Mack Brock

By Brian Johnson, Mack Brock, and Phil Wickham

Starting with the familiar first verse of “Amazing Grace,” “Christ Is Risen” expands to point listeners to this grace through the death and resurrection of Christ.

See related Scripture: Psalm 44:8; 1 Corinthians 15: 55–57

15. “Cornerstone,” Hillsong Worship

By Eric Liljero, Reuben Morgan, Edward Mote, and Jonas Myrin

In life’s storms, Jesus remains constant. His name is the one thing we can truly depend on and place our hope in. “Cornerstone” weaves the words of “On Christ, the Solid Rock” with new lyrics of faith and hope for his return.

See related Scripture: Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:41–43; Psalm 118:21–23

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16. “Death Was Arrested,” North Point Worship

By Adam Kersh, Brandon Coker, Heath Balltzglier, and Paul Taylor Smith

“Death Was Arrested” proclaims that Christ’s resurrection frees us to live for him.

See related Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:55–57

17. “Forever,” Kari Jobe

By Brian Johnson, Christa Black-Gifford, Jenn Johnson, Gabriel Wilson, Joel Taylor, and Kari Jobe

Christ overcoming death and the grave gives us all the reason we need to praise. “Forever” centers on the eternal praise of the risen Jesus.

See related Scripture: Romans 5:8

18. “God, You’re So Good,” Passion

By Brett Younker, Brooke Ligertwood, Kristian Stanfill, and Scott Ligertwood

This song of worship builds from the well-known lyrics of “God Is So Good,” touching on many of the innumerable ways God is so good to us.

See related Scripture: Psalm 107

19. “He Who Is to Come,” Passion

By Cody Carnes, Sean Curran, and Kristian Stanfill

“He Who Is to Come” celebrates the Easter story through the imagery of Christ’s second coming given in Revelation. This song gives us hope in who he was and is—and hope that he is coming back again.

See related Scripture: Revelation 21

20. “His Mercy Is More,” Matt Boswell, Matt Papa

By Matt Boswell and Matt Papa

“His Mercy Is More” centers around Paul’s message in Romans 5. It sings of God’s mercy in a way that’s perfect for Easter, but also appropriate year-round.

See related Scripture: Romans 5:6–11

21. “Hosanna,” Hillsong Worship

By Brooke Ligertwood

“Hosanna” is a deep expression of adoration and praise. In Matthew, we see this word exclaimed as Jesus enters Jerusalem. “Hosanna,” the song, provides us with powerful words to adore our God with the highest praise and a plea to help us live our lives for him.

See related Scripture: Mark 11:9–10; Matthew 21:9; John 12:13

22. “In Christ Alone,” Shane & Shane

By Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Easter is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice for us and to remind each other that the power of his resurrection echoes in our lives today. “In Christ Alone” puts this powerful message into song.

See related Scripture: Philippians 3:7–1

23. “Is He Worthy?” Andrew Peterson

By Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive

Built on a foundation of call and response, “Is He Worthy?” asks common questions and repeatedly answers with affirmations of God’s worthiness.

See related Scripture: Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 5:12

24. “Living Hope,” Phil Wickham

By Brian Johnson and Phil Wickham

As Christians, we can rejoice that Christ overcame death for us and that we, too, have life through him. “Living Hope” brings home that truth.

See related Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3–4

25. “O Praise The Name (Anastasis),” Hillsong Worship

By Benjamin Hastings, Dean Ussher, and Marty Sampson

“O Praise The Name” is packed with rich verses that may have your worship team grabbing their lyrics cheat sheets alongside powerful choruses of praise.

See Related Scripture: Romans 5:8

26. “Resurrecting,” Elevation Worship

By Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Matthews Ntlele, Steven Furtick, and Wade Joye

“Resurrecting” exalts Christ as servant, savior, king, and victor.

See related Scripture: Romans 6:5

27. “Son of Suffering,” Maverick City Music

By David Funk, Matt Redman, Aaron Moses, and Nate Moore

“Son of Suffering” reminds listeners that Jesus isn’t distant from our pain and suffering in this life, because he’s experienced it himself. As the lyrics say, “the proof in in Your wounds.”

See related Scripture: Isaiah 53:3

28. “What a Beautiful Name/Agnus Dei,” Travis Cottrell

By Brooke Ligertwood, Ben Fielding, and Michael W. Smith

“What a Beautiful Name” tells the story of Easter through the name of Jesus, beginning with a reference to the famous start of the Gospel of John, “You were the Word in the beginning.”

See related Scripture: John 1:1–5; Philippians 2:9–11

29. “Yet Not I but through Christ in Me,” CityAlight

By Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson

“Yet Not I but through Christ in Me” echoes Paul’s letters to the church to remind us that it’s not in our own power or works, but Christ’s that we are saved.

See related Scripture: Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10

30. “You’ve Already Won,” Shane & Shane

By Shane Barnard and Bryan Fowler

“You’ve Already Won” reminds listeners of the “hope that’s in the blood” as we face challenges in our lives. Christ has already defeated our ultimate enemy through his resurrection and second coming.

See related Scripture: Revelation 21:1–4; Hebrews 12:3; Isaiah 41:10

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