Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
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TITLE: Doxology | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lyn Perry
03/10/07 -
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Never commence a devotional with a religious sounding word, you might lose readers. Like this short piece titled, “Doxology.” You see? I probably have lost you already. The word is easy to dismiss - it’s just another church term, right?
It doesn’t have to be. You see, we’ve all said doxologies whether we’re church goers or not. A doxology is simply “words of praise.” When you congratulate your children on good reports from school then you’re pronouncing a doxology. Now that got your attention, didn’t it?
Of course, when said within the context of worship a doxology is directed to God. These words of praise acknowledge who God is and what he has done. You might be familiar with two sung doxologies: “Gloria Patri” (“Glory Be to The Father”) and “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.”
Throughout the centuries the Church has sung doxologies. These traditions are good for they are based on Scripture itself. In fact, the bible is bursting with them. Praise leaps from the pages penned by the psalmists, prophets, and apostles. Scripture might even be considered one long doxology.
Hear these words of praise as I share some of them with you now. And, as this is a devotional, join with me in your hearts.
Praise God with Moses after Israel’s escape from Pharaoh’s armies across the Red Sea. “I will sing unto the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously. The Lord has hurled the horse and rider into the sea.”
Worship with Hannah who, although barren, prayed and received a son, whom she dedicated to God. “My heart exults in the Lord; I rejoice in your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord. No one compares to You, nor is there any rock like our God.”
David, too, honors this Rock when delivered from the wrath of King Saul. “The Lord is my rock and my salvation. My rock in whom I take refuge. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.”
Join Solomon's choir as they parade the Ten Commandments into the temple. Along with the trumpeting of brass and the clashing of symbols sing with the chorus, “The Lord is indeed good for his loving kindness is everlasting.”
Sing any number of the Psalms - with Handel’s “Messiah” setting the tune - “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory!”
Pray with Jonah in the belly of a fish. “I will sacrifice to the Lord with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.”
Magnify God with Mary, the mother of Jesus our Lord. “My soul exalts the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my savior. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.”
Shout with the angels who announced the good news of Christ’s birth to the shepherds. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to those with whom he is pleased.”
Wave palms with the crowds in praise as Jesus enters Jerusalem. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”
Confess with Peter, the fisherman. “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.”
Weep with Thomas, the doubter. “My Lord and my God.”
Whisper with Mary, the Magdalene. “I have seen the Lord.”
Declare with Paul, the Apostle. “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever and ever.”
Day and night before the thrown as in the Revelation of John do not cease to say, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come.”
Sing a new song. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
Doxology. Words of glory. Words of praise.
Fall down and worship. “Amen. Amen. Amen.”
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UN-boring devotional. I have a hard tiem knowing how to really "praise" God. It never occured to me to sing doxologies of events and people in the bible as they offer perfect praie. Good writing. See if you can have it published in a book or devotional magazine!