The Doxology

The Doxology is known to be the most widely sung verse in the world.

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.

In 1637, a man named Thomas Ken was born in England. His parents died when he was young. He was then raised by his half-sister and her husband, and then he enrolled at Winchester College, a historic boys' school. After graduating, he returned to the school as a chaplain to minister to the boys there.

In 1674, to help encourage the practice of worship among the boys at the school, Thomas wrote three hymns. Prior to this, there had never been an English hymn written. They had only sung the Psalms in public worship. But Thomas wrote these hymns for the boys to sing in private 3 times a day. One hymn was to be sung after waking up, one at bedtime, and the last at midnight if he had trouble sleeping.

Each of these hymns concluded with the popular lines from the Doxology. I love that the heart behind this hymn was written for young men to create a discipline of consistent worship in their lives. May that be true at Connection Point Church too!