Prophet Zechariah – The Benedictus (Song of Zechariah or Canticle of Zechariah)

(Luke 1:68-79)

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!*
He has visited His people and redeemed them.

He has raised up for us a Mighty Saviour*
In the house of David, His servant,
As He promised by the lips of holy men,*
Those who were his prophets from of old.

A Saviour who would free us from our foes,*
From the hands of all who hate us.
So His love for our fathers is fulfilled*
And his holy covenant remembered.

He swore to Abraham our father to grant us,*
That free from fear, and saved from the hands of our foes,
We might serve Him in holiness and justice*
All the days of our life in His presence.

As for you, little child,*
You shall be called a prophet of God, the Most High.
You shall go ahead of the Lord*
To prepare His ways before Him.

To make known to His people their salvation*
through forgiveness of all their sins,
The loving-kindness of the heart of our God*
Who visits us like the dawn from on high.

He will give light to those in darkness,†
Those who dwell in the shadow of death,*
And guide us into the way of peace.