The Right ResponseSample

Mary praised

What we have seen in Mary so far in her preparation for the arrival of Jesus is that she believed what God told her and she said yes to God’s request. We now take a look at the third thing Mary did: she praised God. The physician and historian, Luke, records this amazing song of praise, called the Magnificat, in the first chapter of his gospel. As you read it, questions have been inserted in bold print for you to ask of yourself and respond to. Let’s praise God together… 

And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, (Does my soul magnify Him?)

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (Does my spirit rejoice in Him always?)

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

(Am I a servant and do I see myself as blessed?) 

For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name. (Do I recognize the mighty things He has done for me)?

And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation. (How have I experienced His mercy?)

He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 

(How have I experienced His strength in my life?)

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly. (How has He lifted me up when I was lowly?) 

He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty. (How has He filled me?)

He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy, 

(How has He helped me? and do I remember that?)

As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed forever.” (How do I remember Him?)

Take a moment to reflect on these questions and your answer to them: 

How did Mary prepare for the arrival of Jesus?

She believed – She said, “I believe -  just tell me how it will work.”

She obeyed – She said, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” 

She praised - She sang her song of praise - The Magnificat. 

How will you prepare for the arrival of Jesus this Christmas? Please look for the 2nd part of the plan, The Right Heart.  

For more resources on spiritual growth—podcasts, study guides, e-booklets, and others—visit http://www.gsot.edu/center. The Grace Center for Spiritual Development at Grace School of Theology provides non-degree studies, live online bible study opportunities, and resources like this devotional.