This Magnificat order of service would be appropriate on 25 March (celebrating the announcement to Mary that she was to bear the Christ) a Magnificat season could be observed in the second half of August beginning with the feast of the Virgin Mary on 15th. It’s not a recognised church season. These prayers may also be suitable for other occasions on which Mary, mother of Jesus, is remembered.

A woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Jesus, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’ But Jesus said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’
                            [Luke 11:27-8]

As we hear God’s word, Holy Spirit come upon us,
Power of the Most High, overshadow us.
We will treasure these words
and ponder them in our hearts.
              Psalm[s] and reading[s] are announced and read.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel,
and remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise you made to our forebears,
to Abraham and his children for ever
We consider, in the light of scripture, what God calls us to.
              Reflection (together with others where possible), silently and/or aloud. A framework for reflection, using the pattern of the Lord’s prayer may be used.
Here we are, servants of the Lord;
let it be with us according to your word.
              After the readings and reflection, a canticle may be said or sung. The most suitable is the following.
A song from scripture based on the Magnificat (The Song of Mary)
My soul proclaims your greatness O Lord;
my spirit rejoices in you O God our Saviour,
You have looked with favour on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call us blessed:
Almighty, you have done great things for us,
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel,
remembering your promise of mercy,
the promise made to our forebears,
to Abraham and his children forever.
                            Based on the ELLC translation of Luke 1:46-55.

My soul magnifies You, Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
You have looked with favour on this lowly servant.
You have remembered your promise of mercy
              … Songs and/or words of praise and thanksgiving could be shared here…
Almighty, you have done great things for us
and holy is your name.

Show strength with your arm, O God
scatter the proud in the imaginations of their hearts.
Cast down the mighty from their thrones
and lift up the lowly.
              Concerns for the world, the church and individuals are shared …

Fill the hungry with good things
and send the callous rich empty away
              … we consider what we need to continue serving God …

Lest we be scattered from God’s purposes, brought down or sent away empty, let us repent, asking and offering forgiveness.
              Pause for reflection on forgiving and being forgiven.
Have mercy upon us
According to your promises.
God says to all who repent,
‘Do not be afraid, for you have found favour with God.’
              …

Though the Lord be high, he watches over the lowly.
Let’s pause to give our coming hours over to God’s guiding and keeping
              …
Though we walk in the midst of trouble, O God;
you will preserve us.
You will stretch forth your hand against the fury of our enemies;
your right hand will save us.
Make good your purpose for us;
your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever
forsake not the work of your hands.
Make good your purpose for us.
                            [Ps.138:6-8]
From this day forward may we be called blessed
For the Almighty will have done great things for us.

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