Glory Be Prayer: Full Text, Meaning and When to Pray It
The Glory Be is one of the shortest Catholic prayers, but it contains the whole Christian act of praise: worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Glory Be (Gloria Patri) is a short doxology — "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit..." — prayed at the end of each Rosary decade, psalms in the Divine Office, and many novenas. It praises the Trinity and has been sung in the Church since the early centuries.
The Glory Be Prayer Full Text
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Glory Be is also called the lesser doxology. A doxology is a prayer of praise. Catholics pray it at the end of decades of the Rosary, during novenas, in the Liturgy of the Hours, and as a simple way to turn the heart back to God during the day.
What Does the Glory Be Mean?
The prayer gives glory to the Holy Trinity. It names the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, then confesses that God's glory is eternal. God was worthy of praise "in the beginning," is worthy now, and will be worthy forever.
This makes the Glory Be a compact summary of Catholic worship. Prayer is not only asking for help. It is also adoration, thanksgiving, and praise.
When Do Catholics Pray the Glory Be?
- After each decade of the Rosary.
- At the end of many novenas and chaplets.
- During morning, evening, and night prayer.
- After receiving a grace or answered prayer.
- Whenever you want to praise the Holy Trinity.
How to Pray the Glory Be Well
Because the Glory Be is short, it is easy to rush. Pray it slowly. Pause after each Person of the Trinity. Let the words "as it was in the beginning" remind you that God is not temporary, unstable, or limited by the troubles of the present moment.
The Glory Be in the Rosary
In the Rosary, each decade ends with the Glory Be. After meditating on a mystery of Christ's life, Catholics respond with praise. This keeps the Rosary centered on God, even while asking for Mary's intercession.