Scripture-Based Prayers

The Magnificat (Mary's Song of Praise)

The Magnificat is Mary's song of praise spoken at the Visitation, when she greeted her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:46-55).

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My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; as he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Amen.

Luke 1:46-55 (KJV)

About the prayer

It echoes the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2 and is the longest set of words given to Mary in the New Testament. From at least the sixth century it has been sung every day at Vespers in the Western Church and at Evensong in the Anglican tradition, set to music by Bach, Vivaldi, and countless others. It is prayed as a school of humility and hope: God lifts up the lowly and keeps his promises, so those who feel overlooked can pray it as a declaration that they are seen.

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