Last week in our examination of the 2019 BCP Morning Prayer service, we looked at the scripture lessons and the lectionary. Following each of the lessons we respond with a song of praise that is taken from the scriptures themselves; these songs are called canticles. The first canticle is the “Te Deum Laudamus.” The canticles have Latin names taken from their first line, in this case: “We praise you, O God.”
 
While the Te Deum Laudamus is generally attributed to fourth century bishop of Milan, Saint Ambrose, no one is sure who the author is. We do know this canticle has been used in the church from the fourth century to the present day.
 
To say or sing this canticle places the worshiper in that timeless place of praising God for creation referencing Genesis 1, praising God at the consummation of the ages referencing Revelation 4, and everything in between. You will note the presence of the Sanctus - “Holy, Holy, Holy” which is, of course, part of the Eucharistic service as well.
 
I bid you to speak these words with reverence and I promise you’ll be blessed!
 
Blessings,
Bishop Menees

The following Canticles are normally sung or said after each of the lessons. The Officiant may also use a Canticle drawn from the Supplemental Canticles (pages 79-88) or an appropriate song of praise.
 

Te Deum Laudamus
We Praise You, O God
 

We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as Lord; *
all creation worships you, the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, *
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might, *
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. *
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. *
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise, *
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
 
You, Christ, are the king of glory, *
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free *
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death *
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. *
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people, *
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints *
to glory everlasting.

The following verses may be omitted

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance; *
govern and uphold them now and always.
Day by day we bless you; *
we praise your Name for ever.
Keep us today, Lord, from all sin; *
have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
Lord, show us your love and mercy, *
for we have put our trust in you.
In you, Lord, is our hope; *
let us never be put to shame.