Doxology

A daily scripture from my favorite bible app that is buried in my widgets section.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever. Amen.
(Jude 1:24-25 NKJV)

There is a Word, not scriptural, which is a heading in my Bible for this scripture,and it’s included in the app. Doxology. It’s Greek compound word that comes long after the Bible was being assembled in it’s Hebrew and Aramaic form. Doxology (Greek doxologia: doxa (glory) logos (speaking)).

A doxology is a short hymn of praise to God that is used in many liturgical Christian Worship services. Some scriptures contain a “doxology” embedded throughout the writing, but most often, it is at the end of hymns, psalms, and scripture.

Much of the Bible’s story was sung with a melody that assisted in memorization and recitation.

Perhaps the history of doxology comes from thousands of years ago when the written word did not exist in every home or hand, so a phrase was used at common times to give identity and focus to God. Maybe it was even for responsive reading as a declaration of Truth and Trust.

Since our Christian roots are found in the Jewish Bible, we should find similar “glory speaking” expressions throughout the Old Testament. They are there.

The tradition of using doxologies comes from a similar practice in Jewish synagogues, where some version of the Kaddish (holy) is used to end each section of a service. (Go read Psalms 146-150.) In the Middle Ages, it was common for preachers to end sermons with doxologies. In some countries, especially Germany, people make the sign of the cross at the beginning of the doxology, considering it to be primarily a profession of faith.

Jude helped me remember, even if the words are not part of my everyday phrase recitation. Maybe we should add a doxological phrase to our morning and noon times, or we wrap up our day with a closing prayer. Don’t forget to give praise! In all our comings and goings, prayers and praise songs, struggles and moments of overcoming. Recite what God has done for you! Give Him praise!

It’s not exactly what I’m talking about, but as I share this morning, a favorite song comes to mind and helps me to remember and know that:

I Have A God, by Danette Lyle Hollingsworth, circa 1988

“I have a God, who with his angels, watches over me.
I have a God who puts my enemies beneath my feet.
I have a God who is with me when I’m feeling well.
I have a God, I have a God who will never fail. I have a God!”

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