The canticle sung at Lauds, also called the Canticle of Zachariah. This text comes from Luke:1 vv. 68-79. It was the first thing Zechariah spoke after being mute since he doubted the angel Gabriel's promise that Elizabeth would have a son. The first part of the text (v. 68-75) recalls the promise of the Lord to redeem the Jewish nation. The second part directly addresses John who will take part in the fulfillment of that promise by "preparing the way for him".

It takes it's title from the opening line of the Latin Vulgate translation by St. Jerome: "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel" (Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel).  A popular passage since ancient times in the Church, it is believed to have been first introduced into daily prayer by St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-543 or 547). In the Roman Breviary it is sung at Lauds (Morning Prayer).

BENEDICTUS -CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH [Luke 1:68-79]

1. Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel; quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebis suae

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free.

2. et erexit cornu salutis nobis, in domo David pueri sui,

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.

3. sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius,

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

4. salutem ex inimicis nostris, et de manu omnium, qui oderunt nos;

that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

5. ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris, et memorari testamenti sui sancti,

He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.

6. iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum, daturum se nobis,

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

7. ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostrum liberati, serviamus illi

to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear,

8. in sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso omnibus diebus nostris.

holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

9. Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis: praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius,

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

10. ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius in remissionem peccatorum eorum,

to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.

11. per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri, in quibus visitabit nos oriens ex alto,

In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

12. illuminare his, qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent, ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.