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The Magnificat

Week 6 | Section 7

The MagnificatMary’s song of praise, The Magnificat, shows her humility, prophetic understanding of God’s intent, and willingness to be counted among the servants of God for the sake of the world. The verses and prophetic promises which she sings forth are like the threads in the divine tapestry. She models for us not only humble service, but also true worship with her whole heart and soul and all the faculties of her being.


Scripture:
Luke 1:46-56

46 Mary said, “My soul1magnifies2¯3 the Lord.4¯5¯6¯7 47 My spirit8 has rejoiced in God my Savior,9¯10 48 for he has looked at the humble state11 of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations12 will call me blessed.13 49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me.14 Holy is his name.15 50 His mercy16 is17 for generations of generations18 on those who fear him.19 51 He has20 shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things.21 He has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has given help to Israel,22 his servant, that he might remember mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and his offspring forever.”23 56 Mary stayed with her about three months,24 and then returned to her house.


Group Dialog:

  1. Thinking about praise and worship, what do you find most astounding about the nature of God and his acts in your life and throughout time?
  2. How have you seen humility and pride affect your own life?
  3. The way Mary (age 12-13) was raised laid the seeds that allowed her to respond to the immaculate conception. How do our habits of study, prayer, and spiritual formation affect our ability to respond to daily events?
  4. In your closing group prayer consider offering up four parts: 1)affirmation of who God is 2) What God has done in your life (48-49); 3) What God is doing in the World (vs 50-53) 4) What God has done for Israel. Acts 1:8

Learning objectives:

Praise and worship, God the warrior, humility, servant-hood, plan of salvation, the graciousness of God, spiritual warfare, pride is the antagonist of prayer and worship as it besets humility. Humility then is the anecdote.  In the diminishment of humility pride increases and as does the virtues of compassion, consideration, kindness, and gentleness.


Study Notes: