What is the Gloria Patri?
The Gloria Patri is the response at the end of the Introit. It includes the words, “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.” or some variation.
What do these words have to do with our worship?
In these words we confess our faith in the Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We confess the Trinity as the one, true, and only God. We also confess in the Gloria Patri that He always was, is, and always will be. Our God is the eternal, true, unchangeable author, and sustainer, of all things. He alone deserves glory and praise.
What does the Bible say about this?
Psalm 29, 96 – These are examples of glorifying God for all that he has done.
John 12:23-32 – Jesus points out that God is glorified by His upcoming mission on the cross. This is the greatest reason to glorify God.
Philippians 2:5-11 – We are called to have the attitude of Jesus, who by His sacrifice for us is the name above all names; to be glorified.
Revelation 5 – Those before the throne of heaven give glory to God for the salvation accomplished by the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9-17 – The saints in heaven glorify God for all the blessings He has given.
Suggestions
Look for opportunities to point out daily blessings that come from God. Remind each other that these are reasons to glorify God. You may want to use the following hymns in Lutheran Service Book: 505, 507,790, 923
Object Lesson
Point out things you can see and praise God for each one. Talk about blessings you can’t see (faith, God’s presence, etc.) and praise God for each one. Tell that when we sing “Glory be to the Father” etc. in worship that we are praising God for all His blessings past, present, and future.
Prayer
O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we thank You for all Your blessings. Be with us and keep us in your care. Amen.