The Doxology
History
These 25 words may be some of the most recognizable and well-known in the church today. Over the last 300 years, this ubiquitous little hymn has permeated church and worship culture for many.
Thomas Ken was born in 1637 in Hertfordshire, England. He attended Winchester College before moving on to Oxford, where he eventually gained a fellowship and two degrees. He was ordained into ministry in 1662, and served various posts before returning to Winchester to serve as curate, as well as a fellow in the Winchester College.
It was during his time in Winchester that he began composing hymns and prayers, first for the use of the students at the college. His first two hymns were simply titled “Morning Hymn” and “Evening Hymn”. The idea was that his students would begin and end each day with a hymn to set their hearts and minds more fully on God. He would often teach that the best way to start a morning would be a renewed focus on the blessings of God. He later added his “Midnight Hymn,” which was prepared for those moments when a student might wake in the middle of the night. The last stanza of each of these hymns is what we call “the Doxology” today.
During his time at Winchester, Ken had earned favor with the English court, eventually becoming chaplain to Princess Mary and King Charles II. His time among the English royalty was often tumultuous. He was a devout man who held to his convictions no matter what. Sometimes this led to his dismissal from the court. Other times, his boldness was rewarded.
One famous story recounts a time when King Charles II had come with his entire retinue to where Ken lived, and the king requisitioned Ken’s house for his mistress, Nell Gwyn, to stay. Ken, being opposed to this blatant and public immorality, steadfastly refused the request. When the king insisted, Ken declared his house under construction and unfit for stay, going as far as to hire someone to remove the roof. Rather than suffer the king’s wrath, as one might expect, the king respected Ken’s commitment to his convictions and allowed him to continue serving.
His opposition to the immorality of the monarchy finally led him to a confrontation with King James II. When the Roman Catholic king saw fit to reintroduce a more Catholic-tolerant England, Ken and six other bishops refused to endorse the new movement, and were subsequently held at the Tower of London, where many English rulers often imprisoned political opponents. The seven bishops were charged with high misdemeanors, though were later acquitted at trial.
Ken lived the rest of his life in relative peace and quiet, though occasionally he was asked to resume a chaplaincy in the court. He always denied these requests, instead preferring his life of quiet devotion. During this time, he continued to refine his three main hymns, which had by now entered something of a circulation, thanks to the reforms effected by Isaac Watts in allowing more than the psalter to be corporately sung. In 1709, he published his works with the wording that we see in the doxology today.
Devotion
Many churches start or end their services with these four lines every single week. This “doxology” might be the most repeated four lines in the church world over the last three centuries. Why has this short hymn seen such broad usage over the years? Why do we love this hymn?
The word doxology comes from the combination of two Greek words and essentially means “a word of glory”. In many ways, most hymns and songs of worship could be considered a “doxology” as a simple expression of our worship to the Lord. But these 25 words stand apart. I love the intentional reason that Thomas Ken set out to pen these words. That this stanza would be the first thing we think about before we start our day, and the last thing we reflect upon before we go to sleep is a powerful notion.
How often do we start our day in a rush? If you have toddlers like me, they might storm into your room before the sun is even up, ready to take on the day. We scramble around the house, frantic, trying to make sure everyone is fed, happy, and ready for school or work or whatever is happening that day. It’s too easy to spring into action in the morning without taking a moment to set our hearts on what matters the very most.
Conversely, the end of the day is often when we are at our most spent. A full day of work, caring for family, activities, social lives, and everything in-between leave us ready to crash by the time the sun goes down. According to one survey, 60% of people fall asleep with the TV on. Another survey says that close to 70% of people fall asleep next to their phone or with their phone in their hand. At the end of the day, we’re ready to just sit and consume and hope to fall asleep in a reasonable enough time to do it all over again.
That doesn’t leave much room for a hard reset each morning and evening. How much would we benefit from even a brief realignment each day? The Lord’s blessings are more numerous to count, but we so often forget to even think about them, much less worship Him for them.
If we really believe that the God who created all things really loves us and has given us every good blessing, how could we ignore that? How often do we see our house, our family, our job, and completely ignore the amazing reality that the God of the universe has blessed us with those things? When we really soak in that truth, how could we want to do anything but worship and thank Him?
May our lives echo the psalmist in the attitude of continual praise and gratitude for what God has done for us each day. Spend time in thankfulness and worship to God. Try taking a breath in the morning and thank Him. Instead of finishing your day with the TV on, finish your day with the words of praise on your lips. See if you don’t find a renewed and refreshed spirit and a restored focus on the God who loves you.
Related Scripture
Psalm 100:1-5; Psalm 148:1-14
Doxology Lyrics
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.
Amen.
