“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” —Luke 1:46–47
Probably the most well-known fact about Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1 (vv. 46–55) is its name: the Magnificat. It’s similar to two songs from the Old Testament also sung or prayed by women. The first is Miriam’s song (Ex. 15:21), commemorating God’s deliverance of His people from the Egyptians. The second is from Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1–10), offering praise for the gift of her son.
The remarkable thing is that Mary, though young and likely illiterate, must have known these songs well. In fact, in the few lines of her song as many as fifteen Old Testament quotes or allusions appear.
Mary was a young woman of the Word. She loved it, and when she went to the Lord in prayer and praise, what came out was the Word of God. If we’re going to be used of Him in our generation, we too must saturate our hearts and minds in Scripture. We must know it, live it, breathe it, speak it. We must be lifelong people of His Word.
Make it Personal
Consider meditating on Mary’s song throughout the day. What does this first line alone tell you as you prayerfully ponder it?