Nunc Dimittis

Nunc Dimittis

Much of my public ministry is, by necessity because of my health, focussed on the service of Evensong. I have to say, I don’t mind that in the least. I really like the timeless nature of the service — we use the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. And I’m far more comfortable with the formal liturgy of that service than I would be with some of the other services we hold at Godmanchester. One other thing about Evensong is that I can, as a Licensed Lay Minister, do the full service; I don’t have to rely on a Priest to do certain bits, so it’s quite a fulfilling service to be involved in.

Part of the timelessness of the service is because of the various Canticles that are sung every week. I particularly like the Gospel Canticle — the Nunc Dimittis, from Luke 2:29-32. Here is a video of the choir from Kings College, Cambridge — just about twenty miles away from where I live — singing the Nunc Dimittis in the magnificent chapel there.

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Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen : thy salvation;
Which thou hast prepared : before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen.

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