Reasons To Rejoice
Opening Prayer
Lord God, I rejoice in You today. You are my God and I worship You gladly and joyfully today.
Read Luke 1:46-55
[46] And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, [48] for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, [49] for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. [50] His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. [51] He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. [52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. [53] He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. [54] He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful [55] to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
For what does Mary praise God in this song?On May 24, 1844 Samuel Morse sent the first electronic message between Baltimore and Washington. It read, “What hath God wrought?” It has been suggested that today the message might say, “Look what humans can do!” Have we taken our eyes off God, and focused them on ourselves?
When Mary heard from the angel Gabriel that she was to have a baby (31), her mind was surely in a turmoil. Did she think of other mothers in history who had given birth to babies as a result of God’s intervention: Sarah, mother of Isaac; Rachel, mother of Joseph; Manoah’s wife, mother of Samson? She certainly thought of Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel.
Elizabeth, who though well past childbearing age, was also pregnant. Mary burst into a prayer of rejoicing similar to the one of Hannah: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (46,47). Hannah had been through deep sorrow; Mary faced an uncertain future. Yet they both recognized God’s hand upon their circumstances. They both praised the Lord for what he had done in their lives.
Apply
Make a list of things for which you can rejoice. Pray a prayer of rejoicing, giving the Lord credit for each one.
Closing prayer
Lord, I know how much You have done in my life. May I always rejoice and give You thanks.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.