General Information

A doxology is a short prayer or hymn of praise that extols the glory and majesty of God.  Well known doxologies include the Glory to God (Gloria Patri), the Glory Be (Gloria in excelsis), the Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus), and the Hebrew word Alleluia, which means "praise the Lord." Some verses of hymns, such as Thomas Ken's "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," are also called doxologies.

Many doxologies are found in the Bible, such as in Romans 16:27, Ephesians 3:21, and Jude 25; they are known as biblical doxologies. The "lesser" and "greater" doxologies are two responsive forms that originated in the 4th century and are now used in the liturgies of many Christian churches.

• The lesser doxology is named Gloria Patri:
  
  "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."

• The greater doxology, Gloria in excelsis Deo, is an early church expansion of the song of the angels in Luke 2:14  :It is used  in many Protestant services.
  
  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased."

• 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
  
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