Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord;
You heavens, bless the Lord;
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord; bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord;
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord;
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord;
Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord;
Frost and cold, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord;
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness bless the Lord;
Lightning and clouds, bless the Lord.
Let the earth bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord;
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord;
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
You sons of men, bless the Lord;
O Israel, bless the Lord.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord;
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord;
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.
Ananias, Azarias, Misael, bless the Lord;
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost;
Let us praise and exalt God above all forever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven;
Praiseworthy and glorious forever.
The background of Canticle of the Three Youths
The Canticle of the Three Youths, also known as the Benedicite, is a prayer that is found in the Books of Daniel and is a part of the Catholic Liturgy of the Hours. The prayer is believed to have been composed by the three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar but were miraculously saved by God.
The Benedicite is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving that extols the virtues of God and celebrates His power and glory. It is said or sung in the morning prayer service, as well as during other occasions in the liturgical year.
The prayer has been a part of Catholic worship for centuries and has been set to music by many composers throughout the ages. Its use in the Liturgy of the Hours continues to this day, and it is a beloved part of Catholic devotions.
The Benedicite has also been the subject of countless works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows. It is a testament to the enduring power of this beautiful prayer and its importance in the Catholic faith.
Today, Catholics around the world continue to recite the Canticle of the Three Youths in honor of the three men who stood firm in their faith in the face of persecution, and to praise God for His mercy and grace.