Every Sunday at the conclusion of the church service we sang the doxology. At seven years old, I stood next to my siblings and parents, and, with gusto, sung the words and tune of the doxology. This globally familiar short song of praise imbedded itself into the spiritual DNA of my soul. I loved when others began to harmonize with the melody. The sanctuary sounded like heaven. My soul still soars when I hear it and sing it today:
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Doxology – Words of glory. Praise to God.
Thomas Ken, an Anglican bishop, wrote the often sung doxology around 1674. These simple, yet profound 25 words set the tone for hymns sung by students and others at Winchester College. Because of concern for the spiritual formation of those at the school, Thomas wrote a book of prayers and hymns which were prayed and sung in the morning, evening, and midnight. Embedded as the last stanza of each hymn of praise were these 25 words. These last words to each hymn provided a foundation of theological truth as well as an invitation to praise and adore God. The lives of those who practiced the “three times a day” habit positioned their souls to know God within their interior being, not just their minds, and be formed by God.
The communal practice of the Doxology laid a foundation in the late 1600’s that continues to bear fruit today around the globe. The singing of these powerful four lines crosses countries, cultures, languages, and centuries.
The words sung by me as a young girl spontaneously surface throughout my daily routines today.What about you? How familiar are you with the Doxology? What bubbles up within you when you hear the song?
This week I was reading Psalm 41 and noticed a small study note. “Psalms is divided into five books, and each one ends with a doxology or an expression of praise to God.” Sure enough, I looked up the last verses of each “book” within the Psalms and words of praise and surrender close each section. I experienced delight at this discovery and connection with the Doxology flowing through my veins.
Psalm 41:13: Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
Psalm 72:18-19: Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.
Psalm 89:52: Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.
Psalm 106:48: Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord.
Psalm 150:6: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD (or the entire six verses of this Psalm)
How do you feel as you read these closing words throughout the Psalms? What occurs within your soul?
Praise offers thanks to God for what He has done. It often flows from recognizing the activity of God, His blessings, and the beauty He creates (Psalm 136). The Doxology reminds us that all goodness originates with our triune God (Psalm 145:9, Mark 10:18). All that we have and enjoy are gifts from the generosity of God (James 1:17, Romans 8:32). The reign of God comes into view with the Doxology as well. All of creation are humbled by His sovereign rule, which flows from His character of love (1 John 2:5, Revelation 1:12-18). Additionally, as one God in three persons, the gift of community and connection within God arise through the Doxology (John 15). The Doxology reveals depth and breadth for the spiritual journey.
Praise of God leads followers of God to worship God. The Doxology guides us from praise to worship. Worship centers on the qualities of God; for who He is. Praising God directs our hearts to worship the King of Kings. Worship flows not from external benefits, but from interior adoration. No matter the situations or conditions in which we find ourselves, worship remains steady and true, overflowing from internal gratitude. Worship exhibits surrender to the goodness, generosity, and grace of God.
Will we let the Doxology lead us to worship of the grandeur of God? Consider practicing the “three times a day” habit of “words of glory.” Sing the Doxology. Notice the ways these 25 words lift your gaze to the glory of God. Let your soul surrender to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in worship.
This week – – –
Reflect. Sometimes we quote Scripture and sing songs mindlessly. Take some time to truly reflect on the meaning and power behind the words of the Doxology. Pay attention to any invitations from God to dive deeper with Himself. Wonder about the ways the 25 word hymn impact your daily living.
Request. Ask God to free you to authentically praise and worship Him, no matter the ups and downs of life. Hebrews 13:15 invites us to “offer a sacrifice of praise.” When life is hard, it costs us to praise God, that is why it is called a sacrifice. Sacrifice requires surrender. Talk to God about what you need to surrender in order to offer a sacrifice of praise. Praise and worship the Lord.
Receive. Sit and soak in this rendition of the Doxology by Anthem Lights and Selah. Click here. Receive the blessing of God. Let your soul return praise and worship to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 -David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.”
Jude 24-25 – To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen..
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Geoffrey Wainwright. Doxology: The Praise of God in Worship, Doctrine and Life: A Systematic Theology.. Oxford, UK. 1984.
Jason G. Duesing. Praise God, All Creatures: A Doxology for Children. Brentwood, TN, 2025.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Reawaken Hymns. Doxology. Click here to watch & listen.
Phil Wickham. Doxology. Click here to watch and listen.
Maverick City Music. Doxology. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 16-18 – Buena Vista, CO – Waterstone Church Women’s Retreat
October 24-28 – Quarryville, PA – Black Rock Retreat – Breathe Deeply – A Soul Care Encounter for Women. Click here for Information
November 9-13 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Cohort
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Thank you! 🌷
To read Spigots written since 2018, click here: The Spigot