What is the Doxology?

Answer

The dictionary defines doxology as “an expression of praise to God, especially a short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service.” The word doxology originates from the Greek doxa, meaning “glory, splendor, grandeur,” and logos, meaning “word” or “speaking.” Most doxologies are brief hymns of praise to God in various Christian worship services, often appended to the end of canticles, psalms, and hymns.

The Gloria Patri, named for its initial two words in Latin, is commonly utilized as a doxology by Roman Catholics, Old Catholics, Independent Catholics, Orthodox, and many Protestants, including Anglicans, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, and Reformed Baptists. It is referred to as the “Lesser Doxology,” distinguishing it from the “Great Doxology,” Gloria in Excelsis Deo, and is frequently known simply as “the Doxology.” The Latin text of the Lesser Doxology is “Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.” Translated literally, it signifies “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.” In addition to praising God, this doxology also serves as a brief affirmation of faith in the co-equality of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity.

Another frequently heard doxology is “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” composed in 1674 by Thomas Ken, a priest in the Church of England. The familiar lyrics are “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. Amen.”

While the term doxology does not appear in the Bible, the themes conveyed in doxologies are undeniably scriptural. Praising God for His blessings “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”, (Ephesians 1:3), attributing to Him all glory (Romans 11:36; Ephesians 3:21), and affirming the Trinity «Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: », (Matthew 28:19) have always been integral parts of true Christian worship.