For Week of July 18, 2021

In meditation on the grace of God bestowed upon our lives, we reach a place of heartfelt gratitude. When considering the meaning of the gospel and the awesome news of God’s forgiving love we are filled with joy. The response is none other than praise and worship, private and public. This attitude is a just introduction to the practice of prayer.

The Gloria in Excelsis (“Glory to God in the highest”) is a classic hymn of response at least 1,500 years old. It praises and gives gratitude for God’s glory and redemption in Christ. This classic text is also well known in hymnic form as the basis of “All Glory Be to God on High,” found in many hymnals.

Let this classic hymn guide your prayer time this week:

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

Almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.

You are seated at the right hand of the Father;

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen