40 Beautiful Easter Hymns (with Free Printable Lyrics)

I absolutely love the Easter season. Not only is spring a reminder of new beginnings and the end of winter, the season of spring reminds us of the beauty and power of Christ’s resurrection.

Singing Easter hymns is a wonderful way to proclaim the goodness of God and rejoice in our risen Savior.

Take a look at these 40 powerful Easter hymns you can sing in your personal Bible study, at church, or in a small Bible study. 

You can also download FREE printables of these Easter hymns!

Beautiful Easter Hymns

He Lives

Chorus/Refrain:

I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today

I know that He is living, whatever men may say

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer

And just the time I need Him He’s always near

He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today

He walks with me and talks with me

Along life’s narrow way

He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart

Reflection: 

I love this hymn because it is a wonderful celebration of the truth that Jesus lives today, and lives within our hearts. Whenever we need to be reminded of the power of Christ’s resurrection, may we remember that he lives!

Crown Him

Chorus/Refrain:

Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless king

through all eternity.

Reflection:

The Roman soldiers put a crown of thorns on Jesus the day he was crucified as a way to mock him as king of the Jews (John 19:1-3). Jesus endured such pain and suffering for our sake–may we praise our wonderful King of kings for all he has done for us!

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Chorus/Refrain:

Have Thine own way Lord

Have Thine own way

Thou art the potter I am the clay

Mold me and make me after Thy will

While I am waiting yielded and still

Have Thine own way Lord

Have Thine own way

Search me and try me Master today

Whiter than snow Lord wash me just now

As in Thy presence humbly I bow

Have Thine own way Lord

Reflection:

This is a beautifully poetic hymn that can be sung during Easter or any time of the year.

May the prayer of our hearts be for God to have his own way in our lives. When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane he said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). 

Although Jesus did not desire to suffer greatly through the torturous pain of the crucifixion, he submitted to the Father’s will.

If Jesus prayed for God to have his own way in his life, how much more should we seek the will of our Father!

Nothing But the Blood

Chorus/Refrain:

O precious is the flow

that makes me white as snow;

no other fount I know;

nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Reflection: 

Nothing But the Blood is a well-known Easter hymn that talks about the power of Jesus’ shed blood to wash away our sins. If it were not for the sacrifice of dying on the cross that ultimately resulted in the shedding of his blood, we would not have forgiveness of our sins.

In the Old Testament, the priests were required by God to sacrifice animals to atone (or pay) for the sins of the people of Israel. Leviticus 17:11 says,

For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.

Jesus’ blood made the ultimate atonement for the sins of those who believe in him!

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Chorus/Refrain:

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Reflection: 

This is certainly one of my favorite hymns. Easter morning is one of the greatest mornings that displays God’s faithfulness to his people.

On Easter morning, Jesus rose from the grave with all power in his hands. He didn’t just die on the cross–but he rose again. All we have needed (grace, peace, forgiveness), God provided on that blessed Easter morning.

Great is His faithfulness!

Amazing Grace

Chorus/Refrain:

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I’m found

Was blind but now I see

Reflection: 

John Newton wrote the hymn Amazing Grace in 1772. As a former slave trader and slave owner, he eventually left the slave trade business and became a minister and an abolitionist (source).

This song is just as relevant today as it was 250 years ago. We were all wretched sinners in need of God’s forgiveness and grace.

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, now we have access to God’s amazing grace!

Because He Lives

Chorus/Refrain:

Because He lives

I can face tomorrow

Because He lives

All fear is gone

Because I know

He holds the future

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives (He lives)

Reflection: 

Have you ever faced a difficult time in your life when you just did not know how you would make it through that situation? I love the hymn “Because He Lives”, since it reminds us that we can face anything that comes our way due to the power and hope we have through Christ. No matter what you may be going through, remember that the Lord will and sustain you, and life is worth living because Jesus rose from the grave on Easter morning!

 

Easter Hymns About the Amazing Love of God

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Chorus/Refrain:

How deep the Father’s love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

Reflection: 

This Easter hymn reminds me of the passage in Isaiah 53:5,

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

His wounds have the power to bring us to eternal glory with him. How deep his love is for us!

God So Loved the World

Chorus/Refrain:

God so loved the world.

God so loved the world,

that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoso believeth, believeth in Him

should not perish, should not perish

but have everlasting life.

Reflection: 

This hymn directly quotes John 3:16. It declares the deep and powerful love God has for the world, that he would give up his only son in exchange for our eternal life. What a great Scripture to sing on Easter morning as we focus on the beauty of Christ’s resurrection!

In Christ Alone

Chorus/Refrain:

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My comforter, my all in all

Here in the love of Christ I stand

Reflection:

This is a contemporary hymn that was written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. This hymn is played in thousands of churches throughout the world, and is enjoyed on Easter as well as any other Sunday out of the year. I love how this hymn focuses on how we have eternal salvation and peace in Christ alone. Stuart Townend also wrote the lyrics for the contemporary hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”

Jesus Loves Me

Chorus/Refrain:

Jesus loves me, this I know,

for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to him belong;

they are weak, but he is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Reflection: 

Truly a classic hymn, Jesus Loves me is enjoyed by young children and adults alike. No matter how old we get, the truth of this hymn never changes–Jesus loves us!

Oh How I Love Jesus

Chorus/Refrain:

O how I love Jesus,

O how I love Jesus,

O how I love Jesus,

because he first loved me!

Reflection: 

One thing that I love about many hymns is how saturated they are in Scripture. This hymn clearly points to the passage in 1 John 4:19–We love because he first loved us. Not only can we love others because of God’s great love for us, but we can mightily declare our love for him.

Blessed Assurance

Chorus/Refrain:

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

Praising my Savior all the day long

Reflection: 

I love the hymn “Blessed Assurance” because it discusses the assurance of salvation we have through Christ. Through his death and resurrection, we are “born of his Spirit, washed in his blood”.

Easter Hymns About the Power of the Cross

The Old Rugged Cross

Chorus/Refrain:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

and exchange it some day for a crown.

Reflection: 

In those moments when we are going through difficult trials, may this hymn remind us to cling to the “Old Rugged Cross”. May we cling to the hope we have in the Lord, and remember that our temporary troubles are a fleeting vapor compared to the wondrous glory we will experience when we see the Lord face to face!

 

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Chorus/Refrain:

When I survey the wondrous cross

on which the Prince of glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss,

and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast

save in the death of Christ, my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them through his blood.

Reflection: 

This Easter hymn reminds us that nothing compares to the beauty of knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection (Philippians 3:10). No amount of riches or worldly accolades are greater than Christ’s sacrifice. May we tear down the pride in our hearts and humbly cry out to the Lord for more of his grace, peace, and power in our lives!

Near the Cross

Chorus/Refrain:

In the cross, in the cross

Be my glory ever,

Till my ransomed soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Reflection: 

I remember singing this hymn in my church. The beautiful melody of this song prompts us to find our help and hope in the power of Jesus, and to be “near the cross” to encounter rest for our weary souls.

This Little Light of Mine

Chorus/Refrain:

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Reflection: 

Another beautiful classic! “This Little Light of Mine” is well known among children and adults across the globe. This song reminds us to “let our little lights shine” as we are ambassadors for Christ in this world.

 

Power In The Blood

Chorus/Refrain:

There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r

In the blood of the Lamb;

There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r

In the precious blood of the Lamb.

Reflection: 

Without the shedding of Christ’s blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Jesus is referred to as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). This hymn reminds us that there is “wonder-working power” in the precious blood of Christ!

I Surrender All

Verse/Chorus/Refrain:

All to Jesus I surrender,

All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all;

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

Reflection: 

Easter morning is a great time to commit our lives to Christ and to surrender all of our lives to him. This hymn reminds us to surrender everything to Jesus, our blessed Savior.

Easter Hymns About the Resurrection of Christ

Christ Arose

Chorus/Refrain:

Up from the grave he arose;

with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;

he arose a victor from the dark domain,

and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Reflection: 

There is no celebration of Easter without the resurrection of Jesus. The apostle Paul declared, If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1 Corinthians 15:13-14). Singing “Christ Arose” boldly declares that Jesus is the victor over darkness–because he arose! 

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Chorus/Refrain:

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Reflection: 

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” is another great Easter hymn that highlights the beauty of Christ’s resurrection. This is definitely a great song to sing to praise the Lord and celebrate all that he has done for us.

 

Oh Happy Day

Chorus/Refrain:

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

He taught me how to watch and pray,

And live rejoicing every day;

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

Reflection: 

Easter is certainly a “Happy Day” to sing praises to our risen King!

 

There is a Fountain

Chorus/Refrain:

There is a fountain filled with blood

Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains:

Lose all their guilty stains,

Lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains.

Reflection: 

This is another hymn that highlights the power of the blood of Jesus. Praise God that all of our guilty stains are cleansed as white as snow! 

 

Jesus Paid it All

Chorus/Refrain:

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

Reflection: 

This Easter hymn reminds me of the Scripture in Isaiah 1:18,

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 

 

Jesus Saves

Chorus/Refrain:

We have heard the joyful sound:

Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Spread the tidings all around:

Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Bear the news to ev’ry land,

Climb the steeps and cross the waves;

Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command;

Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Reflection: 

The word Messiah means “anointed one” (source). Our wonderful Messiah, the anointed and chosen one, came to save humanity from sin. The Easter hymn “Jesus Saves” beautifully depicts this truth.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Chorus/Refrain:

I know that my Redeemer lives!

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead;

he lives, my everliving head!

Reflection: 

I love the lyrics in this hymn that joyfully declare that our Redeemer lives. He did not stay in the grave, but powerfully arose. This hymn also may be inspired by the Scripture in Job 19:25,

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Easter Hymns About the Lordship of Jesus

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Chorus/Refrain:

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all.

Bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all!

Reflection: 

This majestic hymn is a favorite of many. Not only are we reminded that Jesus is Lord of all, but that he is worthy of all honor and praise. The royal diadem (crown) is reserved for Christ alone! The book of Revelation describes Jesus as wearing many crowns.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. Revelation 19:11-13

He Is Lord

Chorus/Refrain:

He is Lord, He is Lord!

He is risen from the dead and he is Lord!

Ev’ry knee shall bow, ev’ry tongue confess

That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Reflection: 

This is another hymn that I remember singing in my church. The simple, yet powerful lyrics are beautiful reminders of the lordship of Jesus Christ. It also makes me think of the passage in Philippians 2:9-11,

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Beautiful Easter Hymns of Praise

Come Thou Fount

Chorus/Refrain:

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;

tune my heart to sing thy grace;

streams of mercy, never ceasing,

call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

sung by flaming tongues above;

praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,

mount of God’s unchanging love!

Reflection: 

This beautiful hymn ushers in praise to God for the fountain of every blessing we have in him. Easter morning is one of the greatest days to sing a “melodious sonnet” of God’s never ceasing mercies.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Chorus/Refrain:

For the beauty of the earth,

for the glory of the skies,

for the love which from our birth

over and around us lies.

Christ, our Lord, to you we raise

this, our hymn of grateful praise.

Reflection: 

This hymn highlights the power and beauty of God’s creation and the wonder of God’s love for humanity. When we survey the magnificent beauty of the earth and the joy we experience with family and friends, how can we not raise our voices in grateful praise? This is a great song to sing on Easter, or any day of the week. 

How Firm a Foundation

Chorus/Refrain:

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!

What more can be said than to you God hath said,

to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Reflection: 

This is a great hymn about the firm foundation we have in the Lord. He alone is our strength and fortitude. I love how the Lord lovingly reassures us of his love through these lyrics, which are taken directly from Scriptures like Isaiah 41:10,

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

To God be the Glory

Chorus/Refrain:

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear his voice!

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son

and give him the glory, great things he has done!

Reflection: 

This is a triumphant hymn that inspires me to praise the Lord with each verse. How fitting is it on Easter morning to praise the Lord for the great things he has done!

This is My Father’s World

Chorus/Refrain:

This is my Father’s world,

And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world:

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–

His hand the wonders wrought.

Reflection: 

This is another great hymn that focuses on the beauty of God’s creation. All we need to do is go outside and look around us to see glimpses of God’s glory. If the birds of the air echo God’s praises, how much more can we, his beloved children, raise our voices in adoration?

Let’s praise him for the splendor of our Father’s world!

My Jesus, I Love Thee

Verse/Chorus/Refrain:

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;

for thee all the follies of sin I resign;

my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;

if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love thee because thou hast first loved me

and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;

I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;

if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Reflection: 

The lyrics to this hymn are so beautiful. We have SO MANY reasons to love the Lord. Let us count the ways! Not only has he given us life and breath, he purchased our pardon on Calvary’s cross. He is always with us and will never forsake us. I love the last verse of this hymn sums it up:

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I’ll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:

If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Easter Hymns About the Crucifixion

He Wore A Crown of Thorns

Chorus/Refrain:

A crown of thorns my Savior wore,

For me the sin and shame He bore;

A broken, contrite heart I bring—

He died for me, my Lord and King.

Reflection: 

This is a great Easter hymn to sing. The King of kings wore a twisted thorn of crowns to give us salvation and victory over sin. Praise the Lord!

The Nail-Scarred Hand

Chorus/Refrain:

Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand,

Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand;

He will keep to the end, He’s your dearest friend,

Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand.

Reflection: 

What comfort we have in knowing that we can place our hands in the hands of Jesus! It is such an encouragement to know that he will uphold us with his “righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10b)

Alas, and Did my Savior Bleed

Chorus/Refrain:

At the cross, at the cross where

I first saw the light,

And the burden of my heart rolled away,

It was there by faith I received my sight,

And now I am happy all the day!

Reflection: 

I am so thankful that the burden of our hearts can be rolled away because of Christ’s work on the cross. Praise God that we can cast all of our burdens before the Lord! Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7).

Lead me to Calvary

Chorus/Refrain:

Lest I forget Gethsemane,

Lest I forget Thine agony,

Lest I forget Thy love for me,

Lead me to Calvary.

Reflection: 

This is a great hymn to sing during Good Friday or on Easter. May we never forget that the wonderful freedom we have in Christ cost him his very life. May we forever be grateful for his amazing sacrifice that gives us hope, peace, and eternal security in him.

The Blood will Never Lose Its Power

Verse/Chorus/Refrain:

The blood that Jesus once shed for me,

As my Redeemer, upon the tree;

The blood that setteth the prisoner free,

Will never lose its power.

It will never lose its pow’r,

It will never lose its pow’r;

The blood that cleanses from all sin

Will never lose its power.

Reflection: 

Praise God for the blood that will never lose its power! What a blessing it is to know that we are free in Christ through his wonderful sacrifice!

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

Chorus/Refrain:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

let me hide myself in thee;

let the water and the blood,

from thy wounded side which flowed,

be of sin the double cure;

save from wrath and make me pure.

Reflection: 

Praise God that he is our rock and fortress! Jesus is the rock of our salvation, and a firm foundation for us to stand on. May this hymn remind us to put our hope and trust in the strength of his mighty love.

Easter Hymns–Free Printable Lyrics

You can also download the entire set of these Easter hymns by clicking on the button below, and enjoy reflecting on the Easter season and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior!

In Conclusion

I hope that these Easter hymns fill you with hope and joy this Easter season as you rejoice in our risen Savior!

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