The Meaning of the Magnificat Prayer

The name of the Magnificat prayer comes from the first words of Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55: "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" (My soul magnifies the Lord, or, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord).

In the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer is recited during the Vespers (Evening Prayer). The Magnificat is a canticle, a Christian song of praise that in this case is taken directly from the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Scripture.

Mary recites the prayer during the Visitation with her cousin Elizabeth, who greets her with the familiar words, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42).

What is the message of the Magnificat?

Echoing the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we might meditate on the the the following thoughts:

1. How will we magnify the Lord's presence in our lives? How will we proclaim the greatness of the Lord?

2. What tempts us to be proud, mighty, or stronger than others?

3. How can we serve others on behalf of God?

The Magnificat Prayer

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.

(Lk 1:46-55)

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