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Canticle of Simeon
Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel
Lord, now let you servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be forever. Amen.
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THE NIGHTLY PRAYER FOR LIFE
AND DEATH http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/2/2004
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"Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in
peace." —Luke 2:29
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Priests and religious have been led by the Spirit and the Church to
commit themselves to pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily. Simeon's
canticle (see Lk 2:29-32) is always prayed as part of the Night Prayer
in the Liturgy of the Hours. As a priest for almost thirty years, I
have prayed Simeon's canticle over 10,000 consecutive nights.
Of the 10,000 times I have prayed this prayer, one time stands out.
After receiving a call that my father was close to death, I prayed:
"Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace; You have
fulfilled Your word. For my eyes have witnessed Your saving Deed
displayed for all the peoples to see: a revealing Light to the
Gentiles, the Glory of Your people Israel" (Lk 2:29-32). I prayed
that my father would die in peace, for he had seen God's salvation and
light. Before the night was over, my father died.
The Lord used this special time when I prayed Simeon's canticle to
help me appreciate how privileged I am to pray this prayer daily. One
night I will pray this prayer for the last time on earth. It will be
the time for me to die in peace. I pray that the many times I pray this
prayer will result in my seeing Jesus as my Salvation, Light, and Glory
(Lk 2:30, 32).
You don't have to be a priest or religious to pray Simeon's canticle
nightly. Isn't it wonderful to be ready to die at any time? That is the
assumption of this prayer. Ask the Lord whether He would give you the
privilege of praying Simeon's canticle nightly. Then pray accordingly.
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