A Good Night Song

I finally got out to explore the land around me last Saturday morning. There was also a little snow Tuesday morning, and I found these snaps.

We've visited four churches so far trying to find one that fits us best, and during the service at two of the churches the doxology was sung. I hadn't sung that in years.

Doxology: a set form of words praising God; a usually liturgical expression of praise to God

Then, in a recent song I read during my devotions, the last verse was the doxology. I thought that was strange, so it took me to the computer to see what I could find.

And, indeed, the doxology was part of a song before it came into widespread use alone. The song that the doxology came from is titled: "Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun." It was written by Thomas Ken, 1637-1711. He also wrote "All Praise to You, My God, This Night" which is the song I read in my hymnal, where he also included those words as the last verse.

                                   Thought this group of trees made an impressive presence.

Ken wrote these songs at a time when the established church believed only Scripture should be sung as hymns, with an emphasis on the Psalms. Some considered it sinful and blasphemous to write new lyrics for church music, akin to adding to the Scriptures. In that atmosphere, Ken wrote this and several other hymns for the boys at Winchester College, with strict instructions that they use them only in their rooms for private devotions.

I find the words to "All Praise to You, My God, This Night" very meaningful, and would certainly be a good song to pray before one sleeps. Here are the words:

"For all the blessings of the light, Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, Beneath the shelter of Your wings.

"Forgive me, Lord, for this I pray, The wrong that I have done this day, May peace with God and neighbor be, Before I sleep, restored to me.

"Lord, may I be at rest in You And sweetly sleep the whole night thro', Refresh my strength, for Your own sake, So I may serve You when I wake.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Hymns continue to be what refreshes my soul the most. Yes, there are some very good songs out there that I love, but hymns say so much more than words.

                                                              Love this snap in the fog.

The next time I sing the doxology I will remember this little exercise and be refreshed. Music stirs the soul, a blessing we can thank our God for creating!

"The Christian ought to be a living doxology." Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Jerry and Mom were with me Tuesday morning driving around and Jerry liked this face in the roots of a tree.