Easter Sunday is the most celebrated and spiritually significant day in the Christian calendar. Whether you are planning a church worship service, building a personal playlist, or simply looking for the perfect songs that capture the joy and triumph of the Resurrection, the music you choose matters deeply. The best songs for Easter Sunday bridge the gap between ancient faith and modern worship, filling sanctuaries and living rooms alike with praise, reverence, and unshakeable hope. From centuries-old hymns to brand-new anthems released in 2024 and 2025, this list covers 20 powerful tracks that have resonated with congregations, worship teams, and believers around the world.
Living Hope – Phil Wickham
Released in 2018, “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham quickly became one of the most beloved modern Easter anthems in contemporary Christian music. Co-written with Bethel Music’s Brian Johnson, the song walks listeners through the full arc of the Gospel — from the chasm of sin to the victory of the Resurrection — with the powerful declaration that the buried body of Jesus began to breathe on the morning of His resurrection. It earned Phil Wickham a GMA Dove Award for Worship Recorded Song of the Year in 2019 and has since accumulated over 100 million streams on Spotify alone, making it a genuine global worship standard. The official YouTube music video was released on March 29, 2018, and has garnered tens of millions of views, cementing its place as one of the most-played songs in Easter Sunday services worldwide.
In Christ Alone – Passion, Kristian Stanfill
“In Christ Alone,” originally written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend in 2001, is widely regarded as one of the greatest modern hymns ever composed, and Passion’s rendition featuring Kristian Stanfill brought it to an entirely new generation of worshippers. The lyrics cover the complete redemptive story from the incarnation through the cross, the Resurrection, and the believer’s eternal security — all in a single sweeping hymn. PraiseCharts has consistently recognized this song as one of its all-time top Easter worship songs, based on decades of download data from worship leaders across the globe. The Passion version is widely available on YouTube and remains a staple in church Easter services across virtually every Christian denomination.
King of Kings – Hillsong Worship
Written by Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, and Jason Ingram, “King of Kings” from Hillsong Worship tells the entire Gospel story in a single song — from the creation of humanity to the birth, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Worship leaders around the world praise it for its rare ability to be sung meaningfully at any season of the church year, because it encompasses the full scope of Christ’s redemptive work. The third verse builds into the triumphant declaration of the empty tomb, making it particularly powerful as an Easter Sunday worship moment. The official Hillsong YouTube video has hundreds of millions of views, cementing it as one of the most watched worship songs of the modern era.
Holy Forever – Chris Tomlin
“Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin has achieved a global anthem status that places it alongside classics like “How Great Is Our God” and “10,000 Reasons.” The song brilliantly blends vertical praise with a horizontal invitation for the redeemed to participate, declaring that those who have been forgiven and redeemed should sing forever to the Lamb. Its theological depth, singable melody, and direct connection to Easter’s themes of redemption and eternity have made it a top choice for Easter Sunday setlists heading into 2025 and 2026. The official YouTube video has amassed tens of millions of views, and it continues to top trending worship charts globally.
Praise – Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore
Released in 2023, “Praise” by Elevation Worship featuring Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore became a defining anthem almost immediately, spreading from church sanctuaries to stadium worship events around the world. The song directly addresses the Resurrection — declaring that Jesus rose and defeated the grave — making it highly relevant for Easter Sunday celebrations. What sets “Praise” apart is its theology of worship through all circumstances, the profound insight that praise belongs not just in moments of triumph but in the valleys too, which resonates deeply with the full meaning of Easter. The official Elevation Worship YouTube channel video for “Praise” has accumulated hundreds of millions of views, making it one of the most-watched worship releases of recent years.
Glorious Day – Passion, Kristian Stanfill
“Glorious Day,” written by Jason Ingram and Chris Tomlin, is a joyful and triumphant Resurrection anthem that has been covered by multiple artists, with the Passion and Kristian Stanfill version being among the most popular. The chorus celebrates the moment Christ rolled away the stone and freed believers from the sin that once held them captive, making its Easter connection unmistakably clear. This song is a consistent top performer in PraiseCharts’ Easter worship song rankings and has appeared in church setlists across virtually every denomination. The official YouTube video has millions of views and serves as a go-to Easter Sunday opener for worship teams looking for an energetic celebration of the empty tomb.
Because He Lives – Travis Cottrell and Brooke Voland
Originally written by Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971, “Because He Lives” has stood as one of the most enduring Easter anthems in Christian music history, and the 2024 recording by Travis Cottrell featuring Brooke Voland breathed fresh life into this beloved classic. The Gaithers’ timeless declaration — that because He lives, all fear is gone — speaks directly to the hope that the Resurrection provides to every believer regardless of their circumstances. The Travis Cottrell and Brooke Voland version was one of the top-selling worship songs in PraiseCharts for the entirety of 2024, a remarkable achievement for what is essentially a reimagined 50-year-old hymn. This version is readily available on YouTube and is an ideal choice for Easter services that want to honor both the heritage of the church and contemporary musical expression.
O Praise the Name (Anástasis) – Hillsong Worship
“O Praise the Name (Anástasis)” — the Greek word meaning Resurrection — is one of Hillsong Worship’s most lyrically rich and theologically precise Easter anthems, taking worshippers from the crucifixion scene through resurrection morning with stunning poetic imagery. Written by Marty Sampson, Benjamin Hastings, and Dean Ussher, the song’s bridge leads worshippers to declare that they cast their eyes to Calvary where Jesus shed His blood, and they are now standing in that grace that leads them home. It regularly features on best Easter songs lists from worship publications and has an enormous presence on YouTube where the official Hillsong video has garnered tens of millions of streams. Worship teams particularly love this song for its dynamic structure — building from quiet reverence to powerful celebration, mirroring the journey from Good Friday to Easter Sunday morning.
Resurrecting – Elevation Worship
“Resurrecting” from Elevation Worship is a straightforward yet deeply moving declaration of the power of the Resurrection, affirming that the same power that conquered the grave lives within every believer. This Easter anthem from the 2016 album “Here As In Heaven” quickly became a worship staple and has remained one of Elevation Worship’s most-played songs year after year, particularly in the weeks surrounding Easter. Its accessibility — theologically clear, musically singable, and emotionally resonant — makes it equally suited for seasoned churchgoers and first-time Easter Sunday visitors. The official YouTube video has surpassed 50 million views and it is consistently featured in curated Easter worship playlists on all major streaming platforms.
Christ Is Risen – Matt Maher
Matt Maher’s “Christ Is Risen” is one of the most direct and jubilant Easter proclamations in modern Christian music, with its chorus echoing the ancient Easter greeting that Christ has risen from the dead, trampling over death by death. Released in 2009, the song has built an enormous and loyal following in both Catholic and Protestant congregations, bridging denominational traditions with its universally understood celebration of the empty tomb. It continues to feature on major Easter playlists across YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music, with the official video accumulating millions of views from worship communities around the world. For worship teams and music directors searching for an anthem that captures the ancient Easter tradition with modern musical energy, “Christ Is Risen” is an essential addition to any Easter Sunday setlist.
Thank You Jesus for the Blood – Charity Gayle
Charity Gayle’s “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” emerged in 2021 as a viral sensation that grew into a full-blown worship phenomenon, with its raw, passionate declaration of gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of Christ resonating deeply across demographics and denominations. The song’s central message of gratitude — that Jesus’ blood has been applied to the life of every believer who trusts in Him — connects the crucifixion directly to personal salvation, making it a deeply personal Easter anthem. It was among the fastest-growing worship songs of its release year and has been covered by dozens of artists, a testament to its universal appeal among believers celebrating what the cross and resurrection mean for their daily lives. The official YouTube video for “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” has garnered tens of millions of views, and it remains a powerful and emotionally charged choice for Easter Sunday worship.
What a Beautiful Name – Hillsong Worship
“What a Beautiful Name,” written by Brooke and Scott Ligertwood and performed by Hillsong Worship, won the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year in 2017 and 2018 — a back-to-back achievement that underscores its historic impact on contemporary Christian music. The song’s second verse beautifully captures the incarnational theology at the heart of Easter, declaring that God did not want heaven without us, and so Jesus brought heaven down. It remains one of the most-played worship songs in church history, with the official YouTube video surpassing 400 million views — making it one of the most watched Christian music videos ever uploaded to the platform. For those listening through headphones in personal devotion or in a packed Easter Sunday sanctuary, this song delivers an experience of worship that is as intimate as it is grand.
Goodness of God – Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson
“Goodness of God” by Bethel Music, featuring Jenn Johnson, is a deeply personal worship anthem about the faithfulness of God through every season of life, and its connection to Easter’s message of redemption is woven throughout its lyrics. Originally recorded in 2018 and released on the “Victory” album in 2019, the song quickly rose to become one of the most sung worship songs in churches worldwide and was also recorded by CeCe Winans in a Grammy Award-winning version. The official Bethel Music YouTube video has hundreds of millions of views, and the song continues to dominate Easter worship setlists as a song of personal testimony and proclamation about God’s enduring goodness. Its wide melodic range and emotional depth make it equally powerful as an opening worship song or a closing anthem on Easter Sunday.
House of the Lord – Phil Wickham
“House of the Lord” by Phil Wickham is one of the most joyful and celebratory Easter Sunday worship songs in the modern catalog, built around the repeated declaration that we worship the God who was, and is, and is to come. Released in 2021, the song became one of the fastest-rising worship songs of its era, driven in large part by its irresistibly singable melody and its unashamed celebration of the communal act of coming together to worship the Risen Christ. It has been a top-trending worship song in PraiseCharts consistently since its release and regularly features in lists of the best songs for Easter Sunday gatherings. The official YouTube video has amassed well over 50 million views, making it a proven hit for worship teams and congregations celebrating the joy of the empty tomb.
Firm Foundation (He Won’t) – Cody Carnes
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” by Cody Carnes emerged in 2021 as a bold declaration of unshakeable trust in God, with its chorus proclaiming that God will not fail — a sentiment that carries profound Easter resonance in a world of uncertainty and fear. The song’s bridge, building from quiet faith to triumphant assurance, mirrors the emotional arc of Holy Week itself, moving from the grief of Good Friday to the uncontainable joy of Resurrection Sunday. Cody Carnes co-wrote the song with Austin Davis and Madison Cain Johnson, and the Worship Together recording has become a staple in churches around the world. The official YouTube video has amassed tens of millions of views, and the song has been praised by worship leaders as an ideal choice for Easter services focused on themes of faithfulness, hope, and the enduring promises of the Risen Christ.
Graves Into Gardens – Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake
“Graves Into Gardens” from Elevation Worship, featuring Brandon Lake, is a powerful resurrection metaphor built into a full worship anthem — the idea that the same God who raised Christ from the dead is the God who transforms the dead places in our own lives. Released in 2019 from the album of the same name, the song instantly connected with believers who were seeking an Easter anthem that spoke not just to the historical resurrection but to its transformative power in everyday life, declaring that God turns mourning to dancing and gives beauty for ashes. The official YouTube video has well over 100 million views, affirming its position as one of the most significant worship releases of the 2020s and a natural fit for any Easter Sunday worship experience. Brandon Lake’s vocal performance brings an emotional rawness to the song that makes it particularly impactful in live worship settings.
Love of God – Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham
One of the most celebrated new worship songs of 2024, “Love of God” is a stunning collaboration between Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham that captures the overwhelming, incomprehensible nature of divine love — a love that sent Christ to the cross and raised Him from the dead. The lyric about God, the one who set the galaxies in motion, descending to give His life for humanity distills the entire Easter narrative into a single devotional statement. The song debuted strongly on Christian radio charts and has been trending in the top worship songs for multiple consecutive months heading into 2025 and 2026. The official YouTube video is widely available and the song is an excellent choice for Easter services that want to focus on the love-motivated sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I Know a Name – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake
“I Know a Name” from Elevation Worship, featuring Chris Brown and Brandon Lake, was officially released as a single on February 14, 2025, recorded live at Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The song is centered on the supremacy of the name of Jesus — a name that can silence the roaring waves and empty out a grave — and the live music video released on YouTube on the same day has already been warmly received by hundreds of thousands of viewers. Written by Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, and Steven Furtick, it is an explicitly resurrection-connected anthem and has quickly become a featured worship song in churches ahead of Easter 2025 and 2026. Its debut on Spotify surpassed 300,000 early streams, and its explosive energy and singable structure make it one of the most exciting new additions to any Easter Sunday playlist.
Rattle! – Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music
“Rattle!” is a joint release from Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music that became one of the most exhilarating Resurrection anthems in recent worship history, drawing directly from the story of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37 to proclaim the life-giving power of God. The song’s production and energy — building from a quiet declaration to an explosive, celebratory anthem — mirror the very experience of Easter morning itself, making it an ideal choice for dramatic Easter Sunday worship moments. Released on the “Old Church Basement” album in 2021, it has accumulated over 100 million YouTube views and continues to be one of the most requested songs in live worship settings around the world. For those looking for an Easter song that delivers both theological substance and visceral worship energy, “Rattle!” is an extraordinary choice.
I’ve Witnessed It – Passion, Melodie Malone
“I’ve Witnessed It” by Passion featuring Melodie Malone debuted at Passion Conference 2023, where it connected immediately with more than 30,000 students gathered across two events, and was officially released as a single in February 2023 through sixstepsrecords/Capitol CMG. The song is centered on the personal testimony of having witnessed God’s faithfulness firsthand, and its second verse makes the Resurrection connection explicit: “You left the throne and chose the cross, laid down Your life to rescue us, but even death was not the end, You conquered hell so I could live.” The live performance video from Atlanta premiered on YouTube on the day of its release, and the song has since appeared on PraiseCharts’ top Easter worship song resources and across major Christian radio and streaming platforms. With Melodie Malone’s soaring vocal performance and Passion’s characteristically grand production, it is one of the most moving additions to the Easter Sunday worship catalog.
Tips for Building the Perfect Easter Sunday Playlist
Crafting a meaningful Easter Sunday worship experience starts with intention. A well-ordered setlist often begins with a song of proclamation — something like “Holy Forever” or “House of the Lord” — that gathers the congregation in celebratory worship. From there, moving into a song of reflection on the cross, such as “Living Hope” or “Thank You Jesus for the Blood,” allows worshippers to sit with the weight of what Christ endured before arriving at the joy of Resurrection. Closing with a triumphant anthem like “Graves Into Gardens,” “Rattle!,” or “Praise” leaves the congregation walking out on a note of uncontainable joy and hope. For those selecting songs for personal listening, pairing a high-quality set of earbuds with these audio-rich worship recordings will significantly enhance the emotional depth and sonic experience these songs are designed to deliver.
Why Easter Sunday Music Matters
Music has always been central to how the Church commemorates and celebrates the Resurrection. From the earliest Gregorian chants to the great Protestant hymns of the Reformation and the modern worship movement of the 21st century, Easter music serves as a vehicle for both teaching and transformation. Songs carry theological truths in a format that is memorable, emotional, and communal — they allow entire congregations to simultaneously declare the same belief with one voice, one rhythm, and one purpose. Whether your Easter Sunday is a large-scale church production with a full band and choir or a quiet morning of personal worship, the right songs have the power to anchor your heart in the historical reality and eternal significance of the empty tomb. The 20 songs on this list represent the best of what contemporary Christian worship has to offer for this most important of days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best songs for Easter Sunday worship services?
The best songs for Easter Sunday worship services include a blend of classic hymns and contemporary anthems. Timeless pieces like “In Christ Alone,” “Because He Lives,” and “O Praise the Name” work beautifully alongside modern hits like “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham, “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin, and “Graves Into Gardens” by Elevation Worship. The ideal Easter playlist will include songs that address the cross, the Resurrection, and the hope that the empty tomb provides to believers.
Are there new Easter worship songs released in 2024 or 2025?
Yes, several powerful Easter-relevant worship songs have been released recently. “Love of God” by Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham (2024), “I Know a Name” by Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, and Brandon Lake (released February 14, 2025), and the Travis Cottrell and Brooke Voland recording of “Because He Lives” (2024) are among the most notable new releases that have already gained significant traction in church worship services worldwide.
Can these Easter songs be found on YouTube?
Yes, every song on this list is available on YouTube with official uploads from the artists or their affiliated worship labels. Songs like “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin, “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship, “Graves Into Gardens” by Elevation Worship, “I Know a Name” by Elevation Worship (released February 14, 2025), and “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham all have official music or lyric videos with millions to hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
What makes a great Easter Sunday worship song?
A great Easter Sunday worship song typically addresses one or more of the core themes of the Resurrection: the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, the victory over sin and death, the hope of new life, and the call to celebrate the Risen Savior. The best Easter songs are theologically accurate, musically accessible to congregations of all skill levels, and emotionally resonant — capable of moving listeners from reflection and reverence to joy and celebration within a single song.
Are these songs suitable for both traditional and contemporary church services?
Most of the songs on this list are from the contemporary Christian worship tradition, but several — including “In Christ Alone,” “Because He Lives,” and “O Praise the Name” — are considered modern hymns that bridge traditional and contemporary worship styles. Songs like “Living Hope” and “Holy Forever” have also been performed in orchestral and choral arrangements that suit more traditional service formats, making them versatile choices for a wide range of Easter Sunday worship environments.