The tradition of the Church is to continuously give thanks to God. Our prayer of thanks is an expression that we did not make ourselves, that God the Father created us, sustains and leads us according to His divine plan. Plain and simple: we give thanks for gifts received period.
In Rome, the Pope serves as a model in celebrating a vesperal service with the rite of benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. At that service the Te Deum is sung, a 4th century hymn combining doctrine, Scripture and poetry; an English version follows. Here in the USA, as in other countries, there is a custom to have a day of thanks. Catholics mark the year’s end with a day of thanks in prayer for all that has happened in the past year. In many churches and homes Catholics will give God glory and thanks.
O God, we praise Thee, and acknowledge Thee to be the supreme Lord.
Everlasting Father, all the earth worships Thee.
All the Angels, the heavens and all angelic powers,
All the Cherubim and Seraphim, continuously cry to Thee:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles,
The wonderful company of Prophets,
The white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee.
Holy Church throughout the world acknowledges Thee:
The Father of infinite Majesty;
Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
O Christ, Thou art the King of glory!
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest it upon Thyself to deliver man,
Thou didst not disdain the Virgin’s womb.
Having overcome the sting of death,
Thou opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sitest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou willst come to be our Judge.
We, therefore, beg Thee to help Thy servants whom
Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
Let them be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory.
V. Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thy inheritance!
R. Govern them, and raise them up forever.
V. Every day we thank Thee.
R. And we praise Thy Name forever,
yes, forever and ever.
V. O Lord, deign to keep us from sin this day.
R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
V. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
for we have hoped in Thee.
R. O Lord, in Thee I have put my trust;
let me never be put to shame.