Closing hymns: sending and blessing

A closing hymn sends the congregation back out into the week. The classic closing hymns ask God's blessing on the people as they part, give thanks for the fellowship they have shared, and look forward to meeting again — on earth next Sunday and in heaven at the last.

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” and “God Be with You Till We Meet Again” are favorites for the end of a service, a farewell to a pastor or missionary, or the last evening of a conference. “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing” has been sung at the close of worship for generations. The list puts the most widely sung first. All are in the public domain.

Many churches sing the closing hymn standing, followed by the benediction or a final blessing; some sing the last verse unaccompanied. For a farewell service, print the words so people can take them home as a keepsake. Hymns marked “▶ Play along” have a free accompaniment if no musician is available.