dusting off the hymnal: doxology

We're starting off this series with one of the most known hymns I could think of: the doxology.

Sound familiar?
We often tie the doxology to the hymn we sing after we give offering during church. 
We view it as a hymn of thanksgiving, but is that what it was intended for? 
​Where did it come from? 

Meet Thomas Ken.

Thomas Ken was an English cleric that lived from 1637-1711. He served as a non-juring bishop in England and was quite eminent in his position and even served as chaplain to Princess Mary.
In 1674 he wrote Manual of Prayers for the use of the Scholars of Winchester College. In it, he wrote these instructions:
"As soon as ever you awake in the morning, . . . strive as much as you can to keep all worldly thoughts out of your mind, till you have presented the first-fruits of the day to God, which will be an excellent preparative, to make you spend the rest of it better, and therefore be sure to sing the morning and evening hymn in your chamber devoutly, remembering that the Psalmist, upon happy experience, assures you that it is a good thing to tell of the loving kindness of the Lord early in the morning, and of his truth in the night season."
​However, what's inside this document is profoundly beautiful. 
He wrote three hymns, morning, evening, and (mid)night hymn, all which ended in the words of what we know to be the doxology:

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. 

So what does this story teach us?
First, it taught me that the doxology was meant to be a daily prayer, not just as a closing to our weekly offering. From researching about this hymn and the manual that it came with, it also teaches me to intentionally include prayer and meditation not just during my quiet time but throughout my day. Thomas Ken's manual, which I will include, is very specific. In all of his instruction, he includes a section that explains why each is important to include in daily study. I found that through reading it, I reminded myself that everything in life has its purpose and its place. 
Furthermore this story reminds me of the words of Psalms 90 and Psalm 92. Verse 1 of Psalm 90 reads "Lord you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Thomas Ken wrote the words of the doxology in 1674, which is 102 years before America was even a country and 347 years ago today. Who would've thought that these words would be on our lips for almost 350 years? The Lord truly has been the dwelling place for many generations prior and He continues to be our dwelling place today and for future generations. I am reminded that the Lord's presence has been consistent, never changing and, never ending. The words of Psalm 92: 1-2 and 4 read, "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night...for you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done." 

The psalm encompasses what I think Ken wanted us to do. 

I often go through the motions so much that I forget how present the Lord is in my every step. From every blink and every breath to every step and and every bite: the Lord is there. 
I want to end this by sharing a short poem I wrote a few days ago that now includes Ken's words. 
Much like Thomas, I strive to be consistent in seeking out the beauty and presence of the Lord in my life, so I wrote about a moment of praise I celebrated when looking at this exact sunset. 

In this moment I looked at the sky, carefully crafted with the colors and designs of the clouds, and pondered the incredible detail the Lord could place into one sunset. 
And quickly after, I took a breath and realized that each moment is as glorious and as detailed as this sunset. 
So I praised God for creating this beautiful moment of celebration: a celebration not of the beauty of the sky, but of the beauty of the breath in my lungs in conjunction to the blood rushing through my veins in conjunction to the blinking of me eye; 
A celebration of these simple involuntary moments, carefully crafted together with incredible detail, that created a beauty as glorious as one sunset. 
​​"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."

May we never forget to be intentional in our prayers.
May we remember that the Lord's presence has been constant from generation to generation.
May we never go through the motions and forget to spend a moment in awe of God's majesty.
May we as believers, followers, and lovers of the Lord God Almighty always remember the beauty and power of the prayer Thomas Ken wrote for us, not just during offering time but in all things.

Link to Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Scholars of Winchester Colledge by Thomas Ken