The Doxology

Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and song of praise is fitting. Psalm 147:1    

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods. Psalm 96: 1-4   

Recently I have been reminded several times in different ways about the importance of praising God at all times. This helps us to be closer to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It gives purpose and joy to our lives.

The word doxology means a usually liturgical expression of praise to God. Some definitions say that it usually contains praise for the Trinity. The Doxology that we sing each Sunday in church meets this criteria. Bishop Thomas Ken was born in London in 1637. He was teaching in a boys' school and wrote 3 hymns to comfort the boys there including the Doxology. There were no English hymns prior to that time. Only the psalms from the Bible were sung as hymns in the Anglican Church of England. The psalms were the “pure” songs to be sung. The Doxology became very popular among the Christians, and in order to sing it during church, after the Lord's Prayer was spoken, the Doxology was sung—not as a hymn, but as a response to the prayer. Bishop Ken served in two of the King of England’s courts—but would not lower his morals to support the King's sexual affairs and other sinful practices. For this he was put in prison in the tower of London for many years. As you read through the Doxology, note what a wonderful way it is to praise God.

                Praise God from whom all blessings flow

                Praise him all creatures here below

                Praise him above thee heavenly hosts

                Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

There are many songs in our hymnals which praise God, but the Doxology in its simple way is easy to sing, not just in church, but anytime when God is to be praised.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for inspiring music and songs to be part of our praise for you. Help us to remember all your blessings, that you are our creator, that there is no one above you, and celebrate the Trinity—God is three in one.

Nancy Hall