The Glory Be (Gloria Patri)

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.

About This Prayer

A doxology is a short burst of praise — a prayer that asks for nothing and simply gives God glory. This one, known by its Latin name Gloria Patri, has been sung and spoken since the earliest centuries of the church, traditionally added at the end of each psalm so that every prayer, whatever its subject, finishes in praise. It reaches from before time ("as it was in the beginning") to beyond it ("world without end"), which is why it fits every moment in between. If you know the Doxology — "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow" — the Glory Be is its older cousin, doing the same work in even fewer words.

In Plain Words

In your own words, this prayer says: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — all glory belongs to You. It always has, it does right now, and it always will, forever.

A Verse to Hold On To

"For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." — Romans 11:36 (KJV)