Prayer Journal

Christmas is often a difficult time for people to connect with God. Despite Jesus being the intended focal point of the entire event, out modern western society has done a great deal to distract us from the One who is the center. This year I have decided to use ‘Mary’s song’ (also known as the Magnificat) in Luke 1:46-55 as a Christmas meditation.

If you are unfamiliar with this passage, the basic context is that Mary has just been informed that she will bear a son who will be the savior of the world. She goes to visit Elizabeth who is also pregnant with John the Baptist and during their visit Mary is filled with the Holy Spirit and gives this prophetic song:

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me–holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants for ever, even as he said to our fathers.”

What I am going to do over the next few days is share some of my own prayers that come out of this passage. My intent is to encourage you to also pray in your own words through and meditate on this amazing passage of Scripture so that we can connect more with Jesus this Christmas.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. -v. 46-48

God I pray and ask you to strengthen and help me to glorify you this Christmas. Help me to rejoice in you Jesus as my Saviour. I am so easily distracted by all the shopping and wrapping and gift giving. Father forgive me when I wander in my devotion to you. I know that you don’t want me to be all somber and pious, so help me to a spirit of rejoicing; fill me with joy. Like King David I ask you to ‘restore to me the joy of your salvation’, for you Jesus are my Saviour! Jesus I remember that you were filled with joy when you were on the earth, and that you still are filled with unspeakable joy; I pray that I would be filled with that same joy. Amen

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