Doxologies - "Praise Songs"
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Doxology as a “liturgical expression of praise to God.” It comes from the Latin word doxologia, from the Ancient Greek doxa, meaning “glory.” While the word does not appear in the Bible, Scripture does contain a number of doxologies to the Lord. Some of these have been turned into hymns and are used in worship services. Specifically, “the Doxology” typically refers to one of three basic doxologies used in Episcopal worship, often depending on which denomination or occasion.
Gloria Excelsis
Gloria Patri
“Praise God"
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of The Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.”
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:
and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen.”
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
One of the most widely known hymns of all time was written by Thomas Ken in 1674. Ken was born in July 1637 in Hertfordshire, England, becoming Anglican bishop, hymn writer, royal chaplain to Charles II of England, and one of seven bishops who in 1688 opposed James II’s Declaration of Indulgence, which was designed to promote Roman Catholicism. They were imprisoned in the Tower of London for treason but were acquitted. He later refused to pledge allegiance to the new monarchs William and Mary and lost his office. His last twenty years were devoted to hymn-writing.
