HYMN - DOXOLOGY

OCTOBER 25TH

TEXT: Psalm 97:1, 100; 150:6

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. (Psalm 86:12)
The lines of the “Doxology” have been the most frequent sung words of any known song for more than 300 years. Even today, nearly every English-speaking Protestant congregation unties at least once every Sunday in this noble overture of praise. It has been said that the “Doxology” should be regarded by Christians an offering or sacrifice of praise to God for all His blessings in the past week (Hebrews 13:15). True worship always involve an offering. In the Old Testament period, Levitical priests offered blood sacrifices to God on behalf of their people. In this New Testament era, God wants our sacrifice of praise. Other sacrifices desired by God of new testament believers –priests include: our bodies (romans 12:1) the service of our faith (philippians2:17); our material gifts(philippians4:18); our good works and communication(hebrews13:16).

The author of this text was a bold, outspoken 17th century Anglican bishop named Thomas Ken. Ken’s illustrious career in the ministry was a stormy and colorful. He served for a time as the English chaplain at the royal court in The Hague, Holland. He was so outspoken, however, in denouncing the corrupt lives of those in authority at the Dutch capital that he was compelled to leave after a short stay.

Upon his return to England, he was appointed by king Charles II to be one of his chaplains calling him “the good little man” the king rewarded Thomas Ken by appointing him to bishopric of the Bath and Wales area. The historian Macaulay gave this tribute to Bishop Ken “he came as near to the ideal of Christian perfection as human weakness permits”

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him all creatures here below praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; praise father, son, and Holy Ghost.


TAKEN FROM “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”