Why is God worthy of our praise? “Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” This does not appear in many of the most modern translations. Many scholars argue that an early jewish prayer would not end without a Doxology. Doxology: (from Gk. doxología, dóxa “praise” and lógos “utterance”).† An expression of praise to God. A common Old Testament formula is “Blessed be the Lord” (e.g., Gen. 24:27), in which the speaker mentions God’s activities in the lives of his people. Another formula is “Ascribe to the Lord glory” (e.g., Ps. 29:1). Scholars believe that the Old Testament congregation voiced such doxologies at the conclusion of hymns and prayers (1 Chr. 16:36), though 1 Chr. 29:10–13 records similar praise in the opening lines of one of David’s prayers (cf. Dan. 2:20–23). Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 1 - Power But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. That means that even in your weakness God has you! 2 - Creation He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:40 Jesus is telling us that if we will not praise him, his creation will. Sometimes we need to be still in his creation to hear him the loudest. 3 - His Kingdom but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 God’s kingdom is for everyone, everyone deserves an opportunity to be in his kingdom. God’s primary tool to fill his kingdom is you. What does this mean for us? Do you take the time to praise God for his power? Do you take time to praise God for his creation? Do you take time to thank God for his kingdom? _________________________________ Have you made a commitment to follow Jesus?  Decision Form