Doxology

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah!  Psalm 150:6

I grew up attending a small, country church with many members of my extended family. Sunday morning worship started every week with what was called the doxology. We recently sang this at my church, and I was taken back to those days growing up with it as a staple part of Sunday mornings. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a doxology is a usually liturgical expression of praise to God. The words of this liturgy are below:

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.

To praise something means to express approval, admiration, and respect for it. We praise many things as human beings. We praise our spouses, children, and friends for their accomplishments. Sometimes, we praise others whom we do not know closely, such as famous recording artists or athletes. We praise objects such as food - a delicious meal or unique flavors - and nature - sunsets, the nighttime sky. But what does our praise to the One who deserves our utmost praise look like? How often do you spend time focusing on and praising God? 

The words in the doxology above acknowledge God as the source of all good things. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere. He is wise, faithful, good, just, merciful, gracious, loving, holy, eternal, perfect, compassionate, righteous, and personal. And, the list can go on and on. Because of these, God alone is worthy of our praise and devotion. We are called to worship and honor Him, recognizing His authority and generosity, and giving glory to the three persons of the Trinity. 

God provides for us, protects us, walks with us, and guides us. When we enter into a relationship with Him, God becomes heavily involved in our lives. In return, we naturally begin to worship Him. When we allow ourselves to truly worship Him, it isn’t forced but flows naturally. We worship not only with our words but with our actions. We worship with our lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, ‘So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.’

Come, let’s lift up our hearts and hands to focus our attention on God, recognizing who He is and responding to Him in love. 

Call to Action

Spend time dedicated to praising God. This may include listening to music, speaking words of adoration through prayer, meditating on the Psalms, or singing. Here is a sample daily praise routine:

Sit in quiet and stillness.

Thank God for His blessings - write them down or speak them aloud.

Read a verse of praise silently or aloud. 

Listen to a worship song or sing one yourself. 

Focus on an attribute of God. 

Spend time in prayer. 

Digging Deeper

Use these Scripture passages in your daily praise routine above: Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 63:3-4, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 145:3, Psalm 139:13-14, Psalm 105:1, Isaiah 12:4, Ephesians 1:3.

Prayer

Pray the words of Psalm 150. 

1 Hallelujah!
Praise God in his sanctuary.
Praise him in his mighty expanse.

2 Praise him for his powerful acts;
praise him for his abundant greatness.

3 Praise him with the blast of a ram’s horn;
praise him with harp and lyre.
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and flute.
5 Praise him with resounding cymbals;
praise him with clashing cymbals.

6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Hallelujah!

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens