Morning Prayer: The Canticle of Daniel

 


The Canticle of Daniel (Daniel 3:57–88) is a cosmic litany of praise sung by the three young Israelites in the furnace. Its long list of “Bless the Lord…” is not God needing blessing from creation, but creation acknowledging God’s glory. To “bless God” means to speak well of Him, to praise Him, to recognize His holiness and His acts. It is the creature’s response to the Creator — not the other way around.

🌿 What the Canticle of Daniel is

The Canticle comes from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s idol and were thrown into the fiery furnace. Miraculously preserved, they respond not with fear but with a sweeping hymn of praise.

This hymn is:

  • Cosmic — it calls on sun, moon, stars, frost, fire, mountains, animals, angels, and humans to bless the Lord.

  • Historical — it remembers God’s saving acts, especially His fidelity to His people in danger.

  • Christian — early Christians prayed it as a “weekly Easter,” seeing in it a foreshadowing of Christ’s resurrection.

It is prayed in Morning Prayer because it is a dawn hymn: creation waking up and praising its Maker.

🌞 Why the Canticle repeats “Bless the Lord…”

The long list is a litany, a rhythmic procession of voices. Each element of creation is invited to take its place in the cosmic choir.

This repetition teaches us:

  • Praise is not narrow — it is the vocation of all creation.

  • Praise is relational — everything exists because God sustains it; therefore everything can acknowledge Him.

  • Praise is healing — the three young men bless God in the furnace, showing that praise is possible even in suffering.

The Canticle is not about God needing praise. It is about creation recognizing reality: God is God, and we are His creatures.

🙏 What does it mean for us to bless God?

Scripture uses the same verb “to bless” for God blessing us and us blessing God — but the meaning shifts depending on the direction.

When God blesses us: He bestows gifts — life, protection, mercy, guidance.

When we bless God: We do not give Him something He lacks. We give Him what is fitting:

  • Reverent praise

  • Thankful acknowledgment

  • Truthful confession of who He is

  • Obedient living that reflects His character

Blessing God is not improving God; it is recognizing God.

Or as one source puts it:

Blessing God is “speaking well of Him, praising Him, and acknowledging His name with reverence.”

✨ So does it “work the other way around”?

In a sense, yes — but not symmetrically.

  • God’s blessing flows downward: He gives life, mercy, and grace.

  • Our blessing flows upward: we give praise, gratitude, and obedience.

The Canticle of Daniel dramatizes this beautifully: God saves the young men from the fire, and they respond by calling all creation to bless Him.


Read more Morning Prayer posts: MSI Press Blog

Note about Morning Prayer: Each morning prayer post reflects on one phrase from the Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. which can be found in the iBreviary (a downloadable app), Universalis (website) or Divine Office (publication and website). Post may be assisted by AI in image generation and content (research and/or wording).


Morning Prayer posts inspired by Being Catholic in Troubled Times (Dennis Ortman)

Book Description:

These are times that try our souls. This book is addressed to all, not just Catholics, who search for deeper meaning in tough times. Our age is marked by division and alienation. We long for some message that will bring peace to our world and our hearts.

This book suggests that the Catholic faith can provide strength in these troubled times. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing, universal." Nothing is excluded in the catholic mind. The truth that sets us free can be found everywhere, especially in unexpected places. It is often hidden in plain sight. In our darkest moments, we find new light and life. When we are most despairing, a ray of hope shines through.



Dr. Dennis Ortman, former priest and current psychologist, is the author of Anger Anonymous, Anxiety Anonymous, Depression Anonymous, Being Catholic in Troubled Times, and Life, Liberty, and COVID-19.


For more posts by and about Dennis and his award-winning books, click HERE.



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