what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest
If you have ever wondered what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest, you are certainly not alone. This ancient hymn, known as the “Gloria in excelsis Deo”, is one of the most recognisable pieces of Christian worship. It appears in many liturgies across denominations and has been sung in cathedrals, parish churches, chapels, and homes for centuries. In this guide, we will explain where the words come from, present a widely used traditional English text, explore why the wording sometimes differs between churches, and help you learn how to pray it with understanding and confidence.
In short, when people ask what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest, they are usually referring to the full “Gloria”, a hymn of praise used at the Eucharist (Holy Communion/Mass). The opening phrase draws directly from the angels’ song in Luke 2:14, and the rest unfolds into a joyful declaration of praise to the Father and to Jesus Christ, with a concluding doxology invoking the Holy Spirit.
Because the prayer was originally in Greek and Latin and translated many times into English, there are variations. Below you will find a carefully chosen traditional English version in the public domain, along with notes on other common forms so that, whether you worship in a Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, or other Christian community, you can understand what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest in your setting.
The short answer: what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest
The following is the classic traditional English version from the Book of Common Prayer (1662). It is in the public domain and remains familiar in many Anglican contexts worldwide. If you are asking what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest and you want a reverent, historic English form, this is an excellent place to start:
“Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”
Modern texts often keep the same structure but update the language and sometimes the opening line. For example, a contemporary Roman Catholic translation begins: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” If you encounter a variation and are still wondering what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest you should use, the best guide is your local parish or the official service book for your tradition.
Origins and meaning: the context of what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest
The Gloria’s opening line, “Glory to God in the highest,” echoes the angels’ proclamation at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:14). Early Christians expanded this single line into a fuller hymn of praise. By the fourth and fifth centuries the Latin “Gloria in excelsis Deo” was widely known in the Western Church. When asking what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest, it helps to remember that the English we use today is a translation of this ancient prayer, shaped by centuries of worship.
The Gloria is not a petitionary prayer (asking for specific things) as much as it is a doxology—pure praise. The lines highlight who God is: Father almighty; Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son; the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world; and the Holy Spirit. In short, whenever we enquire what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest, we are stepping into a time-honoured proclamation of the Christian faith in worshipful form.
When is it used, and what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest in each setting?
In the Roman Catholic Mass
In the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, the Gloria belongs to the Ordinary of the Mass and is said or sung on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, and on solemnities and feasts. For the precise text and when to use it, see the USCCB’s Order of Mass: The Gloria, which presents the official contemporary English version used in many English-speaking Catholic parishes. If you are a Catholic asking what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest, your parish missal or pew card will match that translation.
In Anglican, Lutheran, and other traditions
Many Anglican churches use the Gloria either after the Kyrie or near the end of the service. The version you will hear may be the traditional Book of Common Prayer text quoted above or a modern-language form in Common Worship. For background on language and usage, the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer resources are a reliable starting point. Lutherans and other Protestant traditions often follow a similar pattern, sometimes with their own authorised texts. If you attend different churches and wonder what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest in each, listen for the opening lines and you will recognise the same core structure.
In personal prayer and small groups
Although the Gloria is primarily a liturgical text, many Christians incorporate it into private devotions, especially on Sundays and feast days. If you want to pray at home and are unsure what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest you should adopt, choose a single version and learn it by heart. The traditional BCP wording is elegant and memorable, while modern paraphrases are also suitable for personal use.
Why do versions differ when people ask what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest?
Differences largely arise from translation choices and the intended register (formal or contemporary). Two examples illustrate this:
- “and in earth peace, good will towards men” (traditional) versus “and on earth peace to people of good will” (modern). Both reflect Luke 2:14, but the older form uses “men” in the inclusive, archaic sense; modern texts avoid that potential ambiguity.
- “We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee” (traditional) versus “We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you” (modern). The slight change from “worship” to “adore” reflects stylistic preference in some contemporary translations.
Another reason is denominational history. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer shaped English-language worship for centuries, while the twentieth and twenty-first centuries saw ecumenical translation efforts producing updated texts. If you want a broad overview of history and variations before deciding what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest you should memorise, the encyclopaedic overview at Wikipedia: Gloria in excelsis Deo is helpful, and the Vatican’s General Instruction of the Roman Missal explains its role in the Catholic liturgy.
Line-by-line overview of the Gloria
This section will help you pray the words with understanding. Even if you already know what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest, reflecting on their meaning can enrich your devotion.
“Glory to God in the highest”
We begin by ascribing splendour and praise to God, echoing the angels. This orients the whole prayer upwards: God is the focus.
“and on earth peace…”
A petition and proclamation: the peace of God arriving among humanity through Christ. The traditional “good will towards men” and the modern “to people of good will” both draw from Luke’s Greek text; the core meaning is God’s peace given to those who receive his favour.
“We praise you… we glorify you… we give you thanks for your great glory”
Four verbs of praise build momentum. We praise, bless, adore/worship, and glorify God not to inform him of his greatness, but to align our hearts with reality.
“Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father”
These titles acknowledge God the Father’s sovereignty and goodness. Christian praise begins with a clear vision of who God is.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son… Lamb of God”
We turn to Jesus, identifying him with the sacrificial “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. This line resonates with John 1:29 and with the Eucharistic context.
“You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us… receive our prayer”
Three brief appeals flow from Christ’s saving work. Even in a hymn of praise, mercy and intercession find their place.
“For you alone are the Holy One… you alone are the Lord… you alone are the Most High…”
A triple ascription of uniqueness to Jesus Christ, crowned with the Trinitarian doxology: “with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.”
How to learn and pray the Gloria: simple steps
If you are still settling what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest you prefer, these steps will help you learn and pray it well.
- Choose your version. For Anglican-style traditional language, use the BCP 1662 text above. For Roman Catholic use, consult your parish’s pew missal or the USCCB Gloria page.
- Break it into lines. Memorise the prayer in “chunks”: opening angelic acclamation; four verbs of praise; address to the Father; address to the Son; the threefold plea for mercy; the final doxology.
- Say it slowly. The Gloria is rich; pausing at commas helps you savour its meaning.
- Link it to Scripture. Read Luke 2:8–20, John 1:29, and Revelation 5 to see the biblical landscape behind the prayer.
- Use music. Many communities sing the Gloria. Hearing a simple setting can make the wording “stick”.
- Pray it on Sundays and feast days at home. This keeps the prayer associated with joy and celebration.
Common mistakes and helpful tips
- Confusing the Gloria with the “Gloria Patri” (“Glory be to the Father…”). They are different prayers. If you are clarifying what are the words to the prayer glory to god in the highest, ensure you’re looking at the longer Eucharistic Gloria, not the short doxology.
- Mixing translations mid-prayer. Pick one version and stick to it for clarity.
- Rushing the words. The
