We’ve put together a list of the Top Good Friday Contemporary Songs and Hymns to help spark a joyful noise from your church this Easter—“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

I hope we’ve all taken the time to remember and give thanks for the reason for the recent season: Jesus came! But enough about Christmas and his appearing, now it’s time to shift gears: Why did he come? He came for you, for me, and for all of the world— “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10)

This Easter, let's reflect on the Lord overcoming death and the grave and lift our voices as we praise Him for giving us the ability to experience the resurrection and life ourselves (John 11:25).

Top Good Friday Hymns 2024

If you need some Good Friday worship music, you can't go wrong with time-tested hymns!

Below are the best hymns for Good Friday this year:

1) The Old Rugged Cross by Alan Jackson

Written in the early 1900s by George Bennard, “The Old Rugged Cross” is a classic hymnal best suited to Easter, though it can be sung at any time of the year. The writers’ adoration for the cross, the sacrifice at Calvary, and its meaning for believers are the themes of this hymn.

The cross is seen as “the emblem of suffering and shame” in the first stanza, yet it has “a wondrous attraction” in the second and “a wondrous beauty” in the third. How can such a symbol of suffering be counted for joy? Because it is there, the writer goes on, that “Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me.”

The joy that is found in contemplating the cross is not found in the suffering and shame, but in the promise that we will exchange it someday for a crown. The mood of the orchestral accompaniment is dark at first, evoking the suffering that the cross entails, but ends on a more joyous note, echoing the line ”where His glory forever I’ll share.”

2) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Watts

Similar to, “The Old Rugged Cross” and other hymns alike, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is a much-loved and often-used Lord’s Supper and Easter hymnal. It is written in remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Not that it’s a lyrically difficult song to sing, but its lofty and worthy spiritual goal is not for the faint-hearted— but it’s exactly what we’re called to do as Christians! There is the expectation that we dedicate ourselves entirely to God, for God demands not just a piece of who we are, but “our soul, our life, our all”.

As you sing this song this season, sing it with a prayer in your heart that God will help you give it all to Him!

3) Jesus Paid It All by Elvina M. Hall and John Grape

One Sunday morning, while sitting in the choir loft of her church in Baltimore, Maryland, 45-year-old widow Elvina M. Hall, began to write the lyrics to “Jesus Paid It All”. She wrote down a poem on the blank of the flyleaf of her hymnal that went something like this:

With the help of the church’s organist, John Grape, who shared some new music that same week, entitled, “All To Christ I Owe”, the words fit well together, and “Jesus Paid It All” was published in the 1868 Sabbath Carols!

Not only does this song have a sweet history, but its message remains true today! This song is a great cry of submission and dependence that Christians should strive to have after the sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross.

This hymn should be sung in a quiet setting for piano, or quietly, in unison or harmony, while we reflect on the completeness of Jesus’ work on the cross, and the fact that we have done nothing to deserve such mercy.

4) In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty

“In Christ Alone” was inspired by the excitement to write hymns that would survive in the 21st century in the direction modern music was heading, but also out of frustration with the lack of depth songs that were being sung in many churches. It’s a hymn that tells the incredible story of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and the implications of that for us.

In a sense, it was written as protest music, to the music that didn’t acknowledge the saving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It reminds me of when Paul said, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). “In Christ Alone” brings it all back to the cross.

5) How Great Thou Art by Carl Boberg

“How Great Thou Art” had its humble beginning in Carl Boberg’s home in Southern Sweden in 1886. The song was sung in many different countries before it reached the shores of the United States.

Boberg said of the writing of his song:

It was translated into German, Russian, and finally English in the early 1920s by Stuart Hines. Hine’s text illustrates the sense of awe of nature and its Creator, as well as the death of Jesus on the cross and His glorious return.

This song has been sung by many popular artists in the 21st century like country music singer, Carrie Underwood and cultural icon, Elvis Presley!

6) Up From the Grave He Arose by Robert Lowry

“Up From the Grave He Arose” would make an excellent choice for an opening hymn on Easter, especially for a sunrise service!

This song was written in 1874 by Robert Lowry and was first published in a Sunday School songbook, Brightest and Best. What's interesting about this song is the themes of the stanzas and the refrain contrast with each other. The stanzas focus on Jesus in the tomb. He was buried, awaiting the appointed time of resurrection, and there was nothing that could keep Him in the grave – the guards tried, and Death tried, but they were no match for our Lord.

The refrain is a jubilant celebration of the Resurrection. Jesus is risen! Hallelujah!

7) Crown Him with Many Crowns by Matthew Bridges

“Crown Him with Many Crowns” was written in 1851 by Matthew Bridges in a small town in England. The hymn was inspired by “the many crowns on Jesus’ head” described in Revelation 19:12.

The bridge exclaims, “His eyes were as a flame of fire,” referring to his majesty and glory. The many crowns refer to the five crowns the saints will cast at His feet. These crowns include the crown of life (James 1:12), righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), glory (1 Peter 5:4), rejoicing (Proverbs 14:24), and incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25). This hymn is perhaps the most popular at Easter, but it would be fitting during any time.

Accompany this with organ, piano, and trumpets, or with a driving drum beat and acoustic/electric guitar.

8) How Deep the Father’s Love for Us by Stuart Townend

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” is one of those songs, you just know will still be around in the next one hundred years.

Written in 1995 by Stuart Townend, this hymn became an instant classic and is now sung by Christians all over the world. I believe the reason it’s been able to stand against time is because it speaks of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that still saves today.

Our response is one of unspeakable gratitude that is beyond our understanding. “Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.”  We cannot boast in anything, not in gifts or power (like the Jews), nor wisdom (like the Greeks). We boast only in Christ’s death and resurrection (Galatians 6:14).

9) I Stand Amazed (My Savior's Love) by Charles Gabriel

"I Stand Amazed" by Charles Gabriel first appeared in E.O. Excell's collection, Prasies (1905). It describes the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22:41-44, where Jesus declares to the Father before his crucifixion, "Not my will, but thine, be done..."

It is because of Jesus" sacrifice on that cross that we should live our lives for Him. The lyrics begin with questions, discerning how Jesus could love us, "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus and wonder how he could love a sinner like me..." Our response is, "How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior's love to me!" This should move the conversation of our lives to reflect, "And my song shall ever be," what Jesus did for you and me (Philippians 1:27)!

10) In the Garden by Austin Miles

"In the Garden" by Austin Miles was first published in 1912 during the evangelistic campaigns of Billy Sunday! However, the song has an interesting beginning.

It was written in a very unpredictable place and it was certainly not a garden. According to Mile's granddaughter, it was composed "in a cold, dreary and leaky basement in Pitman, New Jersey that didn't even have a window, let alone a view of a garden!"

Ironically, the two worst betrayals in Biblical history occurred in gardens. Adam and Eve betrayed God in the Garden of Eden and Judas betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. So if a cynic were to write a hymn he might call it, “Stay Out of the Garden"!

However, Austin Miles was no critic. This song was written to describe the joy Mary Magdeline felt when she heard the voice of her Lord! Imagine how much greater Mary Magdalene's shock was when Jesus, whom she had seen dead and buried three days earlier (Mark 15:40, 47), suddenly called her by name and she turned and saw Him, very much alive and in person (John 20:16). This hymn describes how Jesus turned her grief into joy, just as he turned our shame into victory at Calvary.

Top Good Friday Contemporary Worship Songs 2023

New and up-and-coming artists continue to produce an outpour of new songs that climb the iTunes Charts! And some of the best Good Friday songs are among them.

We’ve curated a list of some of the Top Christian Contemporary Good Friday Songs today that have evolved with the music industry, but remained true to the Biblical truths of God’s Word! These songs speak of the power of the death, burial, and resurrection; the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

1) Living Hope by Phil Wickham

The message of “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham is gospel-centered and has a clear focus on one theme: Jesus Christ our living hope.

1 Peter 1:3 speaks of, “his abundant mercy that hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” and this is the lively hope of “Living Hope”. Hope causes us to sorrow not as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), it doesn't make us ashamed (Romans 5:5), and fills us with all joy and peace, through the power of the Holy Ghost (Romans 15:13).

One beautiful lyric that stands out is in verse 3: “Then came the morning that sealed the promise.” This is a beautifully poetic description of the implications of the resurrection.

It doesn’t just speak of hope— it says “living hope”. This means the hope we cling to is alive— not a theory or thought, but a Savior who is alive! For this reason, it’s very much worth adding to your church’s Easter Sunday service. You can play it with just one instrument or a full band, making it flexible for a wide variety of settings.

2) Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) by Casting Crowns

“Glorious Day” was written by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns who has an act of experimenting with classic songs. “Glorious Day” was inspired by two older hymns; “One Day” and “Blessed Redeemer” reemphasizing their call to live for that day not this day. It was first performed in Casting Crowns' 2009 album Until the Whole World Hears.

The song talks about the hope and joy that come from knowing that through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, giving believers the promise of eternal life. Colossians 3:1-4 says, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall yet also appear with him in glory.”

That is the “Glorious Day” we’re living for!

3) Forever by Kari Jobe

“Forever” by Kari Jobe is an anthem of Jesus’ victory on the cross over death, hell, and shame. The lyrics were written as almost a declaration to the enemy that Jesus is the Lord, He’s alive, and He reigns forever and ever.

It was inspired by Revelation 5:13 which says, “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”

It’s because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross, the song goes on to say, “Forever He is glorified! Forever He is lifted high! He is alive!”. It is a reminder that no matter what happens in this life, we have the hope of eternal life with our Savior— “O death where is your sting… our resurrected king, has rendered you defeated.”

4) At the Cross (Love Ran Red) by Chris Tomlin

Christian Contemporary singer Chris Tomlin is a man who needs no introduction. He has been in the music business since 1993. In that period, Tomlin sold over 7 million records over 13 album releases.

At the heart of his song “At the Cross” is the sacrifice of Jesus and what the implications of his sacrifice mean for believers. The song declares that it was “At the cross” — “Where your love ran red, and my sin washed white” and because of this, we owe all to Him! It’s a perfect song of devotion for all that He endured for us on the cross.

5) The Stand by Hillsong United

“The Stand” came to be along the shores of Australia by the Christian music group Hillsong United. Known for songs with powerful lyrics, this song is no exception and is perfect for your Easter service.

The song begins with humble words of adoration for God’s love and mercy that He showed us by sending his only begotten son to die for us. “The Stand” invites believers to surrender their hearts, minds, and lives fully to Him! By proclaiming that “I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned,” the song encourages us to wholeheartedly embrace our identity as children of God and give Him the praise and honor He deserves.

6) King of Kings by Hillsong Worship

If you’ve always enjoyed Hillsong’s songs, you’re in for a treat with this beautiful song. “King of Kings” is a great way to thank Jesus for the undeserved gift of grace, which is at the forefront of our minds at Easter.

“In the darkness we were waiting, without hope, without light” – This line speaks to the state of humanity before Jesus came into the world. We were lost and without hope, but Jesus brought light and salvation to us.“The heavens roared, the earth stood still” – This line alludes to the moment when Jesus died on the cross and the earth shook. It was a moment of great power and significance.“On the third at break of dawn, the Son of heaven rose again” – This line describes the moment when Jesus rose from the dead, triumphing over death and renewing our hope. Behind the song “King of Kings” are the powerful pieces of the message of the Gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

7) Scars by I Am They

When you think about “scars” typically they carry a negative connotation.

However, in the song “Scars” by I Am They, from a Christian’s standpoint, scars are a very powerful storyteller. Your scars, or the trials you’ve endured before and after salvation are a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life!

Think about Jesus’ scars, they’re a testimony of the sacrifice He made for us. What if we looked at our lives the same way? As a testimony to to the world of the redemptive power of Jesus’ victory on the cross in our lives.

“Scars” is just the song of reflection your church needs, as we reflect this Easter season on the scars on His hands and His feet.

8) Resurrecting by Elevation Worship

What else would be the overarching theme of “Resurrecting” by Elevation Worship, then the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and its ramifications for all believers, and what a better time to sing this one than on resurrection Sunday? It’s like a match made in Heaven!

The lyrics of the song explore the journey from death and darkness on the cross, to the glorious life and light of the resurrection. “The tomb where soldiers watched in vain, was borrowed for three days, his body there would not remain, our God has robbed the grave”

9) Rise Up (Lazarus) by CAIN

“There is no greater feeling of being alive than when you decide that I’m gonna take the power that’s given to me by the blood that was shed on the cross and I’m going to stand on top of this thing that has held me down. When you rise up anything that felt like life before that pales in comparison.” — Logan (CAIN)

“Rise Up (Lazarus) by CAIN tells the story of the Gospel and how it can change our lives! Just as Jesus rose again on the third day, we too, can rise up in the power of His resurrection! This is the perfect celebratory song for Easter Sunday, celebrating the newfound life believers have in Christ.

10) Forgiven by Crowder

"Forgiven” by Crowder speaks of forgiveness and the transformative power it holds. The lyrics declare, “I should’ve been in the fire, but now I have the fire inside of me!” What a testimony!

It explores the journey a lost, hopeless sinner travels to find the grace and forgiveness of God with “arms open”! The grace of God isn’t dependent on what you’ve done in your past, or who you are, but on what He did and who He’ll always be (1 Peter 1:24-25, Hebrews 13:8) The grace of God is therefore, sufficient.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)"

Make A Joyful Noise unto the Lord!

Whether it be classic hymnals or Christian contemporary songs, there are an abundance of Good Friday worship songs to choose from to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior. I hope this list gives you not only a good place to start as you begin to plan your Easter service but these songs can be proclaimed and rejoiced in all of the time!

Leading up to Resurrection Sunday, maybe you might want to start incorporating some of these into your Sunday lineup to set the tone for the preaching of the Word of the Lord. From your partners in ministry at ChurchTrac, we wish you a very blessed Resurrection Day and always remember we’re celebrating when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life!

Psalm 100:1-5— “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Matt Church Engagement