Fr. Howie is writing a series of “Praying Shapes Believing” articles that appear in our weekly Sunday worship bulletins. Whether it is your first time, or your thousandth, reading, reciting, and praying the traditional Rite II worship from the Book of Common Prayer, it is worthwhile to ask why. We will examine some of our prayers and collects to help us find more meaning and connection in the ritual. See all topics in the Praying Shapes Believing series.
The Song of Praise – The Gloria in Excelsis usually, except in Lent and Advent, when the Kyrie Eleison or the Trisagion is used. Other songs or hymns might be used.
What is it? This hymn probably started in Latin/Western churches (our ancestors) as a way of helping the people to join in the beginning of worship. Before many popular hymns existed, the chants used in the prayer services of the church – the Gloria was one such – were the religious songs they knew best.
Why do we do it? By including a sung prayer of praise to God near the beginning of our worship, we call to mind God’s blessings to us, including the blessing of being a community that can worship together.
What it says about God – God is worthy to be praised by us, as much as by angels. Jesus is both our judge and our advocate at the throne of God.God is unique in holiness, different from all the rest of the created order.
Messages for how we live – Gratitude to God is the foundation of the Christian life. Praise is as important a component of our prayer life as is petition.Thankfulness is the key to generosity.
For more – Have a look at Luke 2:13-155.