- From catholicculture.org
A canticle refers to a prayer taken from Scripture and chanted as part of the Liturgy of the Hours. While psalms all come from the Book of Psalms, a canticle may be taken from any book of the Bible. They often reflect a spirit of praising God for a blessing or miracle which has occurred. Most prominent among the canticles are the evangelical canticles from the Gospel of Luke – the Benedictus, the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis. Each of these canticles expresses joy and thanksgiving for the Incarnation of Christ and are given a place of honor within the Liturgy of the Hours. Each is recited every day (at morning, evening and night prayer respectively), and those praying stand during their recitation. Although the Liturgy of the Hours serves as the most common way canticles are used, they also serve as beautiful prayers on their own. Take some time this week to look up some of the canticles. You may just find a new favorite prayer!