34 Baptism Songs for the Service, the Celebration and a Baby's Christening

What song do you sing at a baptism?

The most traditional baptism songs are the river spirituals: "Wade in the Water", "Shall We Gather at the River" and "Down to the River to Pray", made famous again by Alison Krauss. In modern churches, "Graves into Gardens" by Elevation Worship, "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Worship and "Washed by the Water" by NEEDTOBREATHE are favorites. For a baby, "The Blessing" by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes is the song sung at many dedications.

Traditional baptism hymns and spirituals

1. "Wade in the Water": the spiritual that has accompanied baptisms for generations.
2. "Shall We Gather at the River", Robert Lowry: the classic river hymn.
3. "Down to the River to Pray", Alison Krauss: a haunting traditional song from O Brother, Where Art Thou?
4. "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus": a simple song of commitment.
5. "Down by the Riverside": a joyful spiritual everyone can sing.
6. "Nothing but the Blood": a hymn about being washed clean.
7. "Amazing Grace": the hymn almost every church knows.
8. "Take Me to the Water": a traditional gospel baptism song.

Modern worship songs for a baptism

9. "Washed by the Water", NEEDTOBREATHE: about being made new.
10. "Graves into Gardens", Elevation Worship: new life where there was none.
11. "Living Hope", Phil Wickham: the hope at the heart of baptism.
12. "Who You Say I Am", Hillsong Worship: a new identity.
13. "No Longer Slaves", Bethel Music: freedom and belonging.
14. "Glorious Day", Passion: an upbeat celebration of new life.
15. "Goodbye Yesterday", Elevation Rhythm: leaving the old life behind.
16. "Give Me Jesus", UPPERROOM: a quiet song of devotion.
17. "Holy Water", We the Kingdom: grace poured out.
18. "House of the Lord", Phil Wickham: a joyful, upbeat closer.
19. "Raise a Hallelujah", Bethel Music: a bold anthem.
20. "Tremble", Mosaic MSC: peace in the presence of God.
21. "Alive", Hillsong Young & Free: high-energy praise for youth services.
22. "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)", Hillsong United: stepping out in faith.
23. "Clean", Natalie Grant: about being made clean.
24. "I Am New", Jason Gray: a song of a fresh start.
25. "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", Chris Tomlin: the hymn with a modern chorus.
26. "Take Me to the King", Tamela Mann: a soulful gospel prayer.

A gospel celebration song

27. "O Happy Day", The Edwin Hawkins Singers: the joyful gospel classic for the moment someone comes up out of the water.

Songs for an infant baptism or baby dedication

28. "The Blessing", Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes: a blessing sung over a child.
29. "Jesus Loves Me": the first hymn many children learn.
30. "Jesus Loves the Little Children": a gentle song for little ones.
31. "Child of Love", We the Kingdom: about being a beloved child.
32. "In My Arms", Plumb: a lullaby every parent understands.
33. "Good Good Father", Chris Tomlin: about God's love for his children.
34. "You Are My Sunshine": for the family celebration afterward.

Catholic baptism songs

Catholic baptisms and christenings often use hymns from the parish hymnal, such as "Come to the Water" and "Baptized in Water", along with "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus Loves Me" for a baby. Ask the parish music director what fits the rite, since some churches keep music during the sacrament itself very simple.

Baptism songs for adults

For an adult baptism, choose songs about a decision and a new beginning: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus", "Goodbye Yesterday", "I Am New", "Who You Say I Am" and "Graves into Gardens". Many people ask the person being baptized to pick one song that tells part of their story.

Upbeat songs for a baptism party

For the celebration afterward, "O Happy Day", "House of the Lord", "Glorious Day" and "Raise a Hallelujah" keep the joy going. For a child's party, add "You Are My Sunshine" and a few family favorites. Gift ideas are in our guide to the best baptism and christening gifts.

How to choose the music for a baptism

• Before: a reflective song like "Give Me Jesus" or "Tremble".
• During: a traditional river song like "Wade in the Water" or "Down to the River to Pray".
• After: a joyful song like "O Happy Day" or "Glorious Day".

Songs for a baptism video

Many churches film each baptism and share it with the family. For a short video, choose a song whose chorus arrives quickly: "Graves into Gardens", "Washed by the Water" and "O Happy Day" all work in under a minute. Ask the person being baptized before posting, and keep the music quiet under any spoken testimony.

More worship song lists

For other church occasions, see our lists of Easter songs, Christian Christmas songs and songs about hope.

A song written for a baptism

A personalized song can mark the day with the person's name, their story of faith or, for a baby, the hopes and prayers of their parents and godparents. It makes a lasting gift to play at the celebration and keep for years. See our guide to a baptism song for a daughter.

How to create a baptism song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: acoustic, country, pop and more.
2. Add the name of the person being baptized.
3. Share their story, a favorite verse or your prayers for them.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Mark the day with a song of its own: create a song and hear four previews for free.