From time to time we enjoy either singing or hearing a hymn with a descant. The descant is a melody or counterpoint sung above the simple melody, usually by sopranos. As the descant rises distinctively above the simple melody, so praise rises above simple thanksgiving.

The Scriptures abound with plaudits of praise to God. Praise is the essence of worship. There can be no worship service without praise. Whenever any people of God stray from Him, their patterns of worship change. No longer is He the object of worship or adoration; rather they begin to worship false gods, whether formally or informally. The false gods could be idols carved in wood or stone, or they could be ideologies or philosophies of life carved with words. The results are that God is no longer recognized for Who He is or what He does.

Throughout Church history, there have been doxologies (hymns of praise to God) written to help Christians verbalize their praises to God in song. Best known to us is a translation of one written in the sixteenth century by Louis Bourgeois, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” or “Old 100th.” Louis Bourgeois was the master of choristers in Geneva and was primarily responsible for the musical portions in the Geneva Psalter. My French hymnal is replete with hymns attributed to him.

Another well-known or favorite doxology is, “All Creatures of Our God and King.” This doxology was written in the twelfth century by Francis of Assisi, founder of the Order of Little brothers or Friars Minor. It is a beautiful example of a call to all creation, animate and inanimate, to render praise and glory to God. If the “Hallelujah Chorus” causes us to rise to our feet, “All Creatures of Our God and King” ought to cause us to lift both head and hands in glory to God the Creator, the Eternal One. It is truly worthy of memorization, freeing us from looking down at our books in order to look up to our God!

This is the time of year when thoughts turn to considering our many blessings and expressing thankfulness to God for His bounteous acts of mercy and loving-kindness. A thankless heart is a cold, insensitive heart. It is a heart that barely beats and where the pulse of spiritual life is undetected. Each day affords each and every one of us many opportunities to be thankful to God, for His blessings are innumerable. Praise encompasses thanksgiving, but thanksgiving is just a portion of praise.

Thanksgiving praises God for what He does or gives. Praise goes beyond focusing on the acts of God to spotlighting His person and His character.

If God never blessed us again, we could continue to praise Him for Who He is – God the Creator of heaven and earth, the Everlasting One, God Almighty, the Father of lights. His character remains constant and always worthy of praise – holy, righteous, just, loving, patient, and merciful.

This Thanksgiving Day many will know how to offer thanks, even if it is only for the table spread before them or for the family that is gathered together. However, as Christians, let’s not just tally our thanks nor tarry at thanksgiving. Let’s go beyond what the world can do because we know Him. Let’s pursue praise and devote our doxologies of praise to Him who is worthy of worship.

From time to time we enjoy either singing or hearing a hymn with a descant. The descant is a melody or counterpoint sung above the simple melody, usually by sopranos. As the descant rises distinctively above the simple melody, so praise rises above simple thanksgiving.

“Now Thank We All Our God” may be a favorite American Thanksgiving hymn, and “Great is the Lord and Greatly to be Praised” is an age-old admonition. Let’s not waste the centuries-proven talents of a Louis Bourgeois or a Francis of Assisi, as well as others like them. Let’s join them and centuries of Christians in praising God for Who He is with our doxologies of praise! May God be pleased as we all – soprano, alto, tenor, and bass – join together singing the indelible descant of praise.

Helen Louise Herndon is a member of Central Presbyterian Church (EPC) in St. Louis, Missouri. She is freelance writer and served as a missionary to the Arab/Muslim world in France and North Africa.