The Benedictus - Biblical

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.
He has raised up a horn for our salvation
within the house of David his servant,
even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,
to show mercy to our fathers
and to be mindful of his holy covenant,
and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,
and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies,
without fear we might worship him
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God
by which the daybreak from on high will visit us
to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.

The Benedictus lyrics celebrate the 'dawn from on high' that visited humanity. Zechariah praises God for raising up a horn of salvation and fulfilling the holy covenant. The canticle links the Old Testament promises with the immediate arrival of the Messiah. By singing the Benedictus lyrics during Lauds or Morning Prayer the congregation reflects on the mercy of God that guides our feet into the way of peace and acknowledges the role of the prophets in preparing the path for the Lord.