The Act of Praise

The act of praise recognizes God's transcendence and character. After the confession of sin and words of forgiveness, the people are ready to offer an act of praise. Traditionally the act of praise has been either the Gloria in Excelsis Deo or the Gloria Patri. The act of praise may also be an appropriate hymn, canticle, psalm, or Scripture praise song. In the Western churches, the Gloria is generally dropped during penitential seasons such as Advent and Lent. The loss of this gladsome hymn of praise is a reminder of the need to repent and prepare for the coming of Christ (Advent) and for his death (Lent). (Bold type indicates the people's response. ) Traditional Examples of the Act of Praise The Gloria in Excelsis Deo. The Gloria in Excelsis Deo, which is also known as the Greater Doxology, dates back to the fourth-century church and, through the centuries, has been established as the most appropriate ascription of praise to the triune God used in the Entrance. In much of conte…