An early Christian Hymn: Te Deum Laudamus
We praise you, O God: we acknowledge you to be the Lord. All creation worships you: the Father everlasting. To you all angels cry aloud: with all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim: ever 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 goodly fellowship of prophets praise you. The noble army of martyrs praise you:
through all the world your holy Church acclaims you, Father of majesty unbounded: your true and only Son and the Holy Spirit advocate and guide.
You, Lord Christ, are the King of glory: the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free: you did not disdain the virgin’s womb. When you overcame the sting of death: you 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.
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 put our trust in you. In you, Lord, is our hope: let us not be confounded at the last. Amen.
