St. Francis of Assisi composed the Canticle of the Sun (also called the Canticle of the Creatures) near the end of his life, around 1225, while he was nearly blind and in great pain. It is one of the first great poems written in Italian. In it, Francis praises God for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, wind, water, fire, and Mother Earth, and in the final verses even for Sister Death. Pray it outdoors, at sunrise, on the feast of St. Francis (October 4), when blessing animals, or when

The Magnificat is Mary's song of praise, which she spoke when she visited her cousin Elizabeth after the Annunciation (Luke 1:46-55). Echoing the song of Hannah in the Old Testament, it celebrates how God lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry, and keeps His promise to Abraham. The Church sings it every evening at Vespers, so for centuries Christians have ended the day praising God in Mary's own words. Pray it at Evening Prayer, on the feast of the Visitation (May 31), on Maria

The Nunc Dimittis is Simeon's canticle from Luke 2, traditionally prayed at night prayer as a song of peaceful surrender. The Prayer Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is n

The Benedictus is the Gospel canticle of Zechariah from Luke 1. Traditional English forms have long been used at Morning Prayer. The Prayer Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because He hath visited and wrought the redemption of His people: And hath raised up a horn of salvation to us, in the house of David His servant: As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who are from the beginning: Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us: To perform mercy