The Nunc Dimittis

Lord, now You let Your servant go in peace; Your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal You to the nations, and the glory of Your people Israel.

— Luke 2:29-32

Simeon was an old man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. And when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple, Simeon took the child in his arms and prayed these words.

Lord, tonight I pray them too.

LET YOUR SERVANT GO IN PEACE:

Lord, I release this day into Your hands. Whatever happened, whatever I accomplished or failed to accomplish — it is finished. I do not need to carry it into the night. Like Simeon, I have seen enough of Your faithfulness today to trust You with tomorrow.

YOUR WORD HAS BEEN FULFILLED:

Every promise You have ever made, You have kept. Every Word You have spoken over my life is still in motion. I may not see the fulfillment yet, but Simeon waited decades — and You came through. You will come through for me.

MY EYES HAVE SEEN YOUR SALVATION:

Even today, Lord, I saw glimpses of Your work. A kindness received. A prayer answered. A moment of grace. Help me not to overlook the daily evidence of Your presence.

A LIGHT TO THE NATIONS:

Lord, as I sleep, You continue to be the light of the world. Your work does not stop when I rest. Your salvation reaches people I will never meet. Your light shines in darkness that I do not even know exists.

Lord, let me sleep in Your peace tonight. And if Simeon could go in peace having only held Jesus once — how much more can I, who carry Him in my heart every moment?

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.