The God of Blessings

As a teacher at Winchester College (located southwest of London), Thomas Ken knew that hymns were expected to be based on Bible texts. But in 1674, when he was 37, he decided to write a hymn for his students to sing in their rooms for private devotions. It was called “Awake, My Soul, and With the Sun.”

The last stanza was a mighty celebration of praise: “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.”

This short stanza struck a chord with many people. Gradually, this began to be sung in churches separate from the rest of the hymn. People responded because these words expressed praise in a powerful way that brought focus on God and praise to His name. This eventually became known as the “Doxology,” and it has been sung by millions of people throughout the world.

Thomas Ken knew that the Bible called on everything in Heaven and earth to praise God. We are to praise Him “for His name alone is exalted” and “His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” He gave us life. He sent Jesus to die for us and the Holy Spirit to fill us with God’s power and love. He has made salvation possible and given us all the resources we need.

In your life, allow your heart to be filled with praise to God. No matter what you have gone through, He is worthy of all praise.

Join the psalmist in praising God. From Him all blessings flow!