Biblical Catholic Prayer
Simeon's Song / Nunc Dimittis
Simeon's Song, also known as the Nunc Dimittis, is a biblical prayer from Luke 2 giving thanks for seeing God's salvation and light for the nations.
Biblical setting
Simeon's Song appears in Luke 2 when Simeon sees the child Jesus in the temple. Having waited for the consolation of Israel, Simeon blesses God and speaks of peace, salvation, light, and glory.
The Latin title Nunc Dimittis comes from the opening idea of departing in peace. The prayer is brief, but it holds deep trust that God's promise has been fulfilled.
Why it matters in Catholic prayer
In Catholic prayer life, Simeon's Song is treasured as a biblical canticle of peace, fulfillment, salvation, and trust in God's promises.
It gives language for ending a day, a season, or a time of waiting with gratitude, surrender, and hope in God's saving light.
How it may be prayed
Simeon's Song may be prayed word for word, read slowly as a prayer of peace, or used as a guide for entrusting one's life, waiting, and hope to God.
Source note
PWG currently provides the King James Version wording of Luke 2:29-32 for this Catholic prayer path. Other modern Bible translations and official Catholic biblical or liturgical texts may have separate copyright or permission considerations.