Let us, O God, depart in peace,who in your name are gathered here.
Disclose the brightness of your face,
and be forever near.
Scripture; Matthew 18:20; Luke 2:29
"Lord, Let Us Now Depart in Peace" is a Christian hymn inspired by the Nunc Dimittis, also known as the Song of Simeon. This hymn comes from the biblical account in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:29-32), where an elderly man named Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah, meets the infant Jesus in the temple. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon is filled with peace, knowing that he has witnessed God's salvation. He then proclaims:
"Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."
This song, also called the Canticle of Simeon, has become an important prayer of closure and peace in Christian liturgy, especially in evening or night services like Compline and Vespers.
The hymn "Lord, Let Us Now Depart in Peace" is a paraphrase of this scriptural moment, expressing the themes of fulfillment, peace, and divine promise. It’s often sung as a closing hymn, representing the believer's peaceful trust in God and a willingness to depart, physically or spiritually, after experiencing a sense of divine presence and salvation. Through the centuries, composers and hymn writers have adapted the Nunc Dimittis to music, making it a reflective prayer of rest, completion, and trust.
No comments:
Post a Comment