Sacred Novenas

Te Deum

The ancient hymn of thanksgiving and praise, prayed at the conclusion of Matins on feast days and Sundays. Attributed to St. Ambrose and St. Augustine at the latter's baptism.

The Te Deum is the ancient hymn of thanksgiving and praise prayed at the end of Matins on Sundays and feast days. According to legend it was composed by St. Ambrose and St. Augustine at the latter's baptism. It begins, We praise you, O God, and moves through angels, apostles and martyrs. It is traditionally sung on New Year's Eve and on days of national thanks. Its verses praise the Trinity and the whole company of heaven, and it ends with a prayer for mercy and hope in God. The hymn is also used at the election of a pope and the consecration of bishops. Praying it in a family on New Year's Eve gives the year a grateful close.

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Te Deum

We praise Thee, O God; we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels cry aloud, the Heavens and all the Powers therein.
To Thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy Glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles praise Thee.
The admirable company of the Prophets praise Thee.
The white-robed army of Martyrs praise Thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge Thee:
The Father of infinite Majesty;
Thine adorable, true and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man, Thou didst humble Thyself to be born of a Virgin.
When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, Thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the Glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints, in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine heritage.
Govern them and lift them up forever.
Day by day we magnify Thee;
And we worship Thy Name ever, world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us, as our trust is in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I trusted; let me never be confounded. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When should I pray the Te Deum?

Pray it on New Year's Eve, on Sundays and on days of thanksgiving.

How do I pray the Te Deum?

Read the hymn aloud with a friend or family, or sing a setting.

Who is the Te Deum for?

Parishes, families and anyone grateful for a blessing.

Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play