Doxology

Read It: Romans 16:25-27 (NRSV)

25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

Learn It:

This type of writing that Paul wrote above is called a doxology.  dox - means praise and ology - means writing, so a doxology is a writing of praise to God.  There are many different types of doxologies that Paul and other writers in the Bible have written down for us.  The most famous would be: "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."  This doxology was written in 1674 by Thomas Ken.  These types of writings are a way to talk about God and tell about all the great things that God does for us and all of creation.


Share It:
What are ways that you praise God in your daily life?  What are the different things that God does in your life that you are grateful for?  What are the things that you see in creation that just shouts that God is alive and active in the world?  How might your views or attitude change if you constantly looked for ways to praise God and ways that God does things for you?  Talk about these questions and anything else that may come up during your share it time together.


Live It:
During this week take some time either alone or with your family and write your own doxology (praise writing).  Think about what kinds of things you are grateful for that God does in your life and write them in a way that gives praise to God.  

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Please post comments with your experience with the share it or live it part of this weeks post.  Let others know if you and your family found this useful.