The Spirit of Praise

By Ayhanna Booker

Montgomery County, Maryland USA

Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat 

 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
 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 forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

During this advent season—a time of expectant waiting—it seems only fitting to practice and focus on praising God. The experience of waiting in anticipation and expectation can bring a variety of emotions. What better practice to engage than to anchor our emotions in praise?  When we praise God we consider, meditate, and contemplate what it means that

He is…

Mary entered this time of expectation exemplifying a spirit of praise in the midst of her longings. Her longing for the One to be born. Her longing for answers to her questions (“How could this be?”). Her longing for protection (as she anticipated what others might think when she explained her immaculate conception). Her longing for light in the darkness of loneliness she would surely experience in the coming days. Yet her soul found hope in the presence of God, praising Him for all that He is, saying:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been

mindful of the humble state of his servant.” (Luke 1:46)

She praised Him in the following ways:

•       His salvation (my spirit rejoices in God my Savior)
•       His consideration (He has been mindful of His servant)
•       His power (the Mighty One has done great things)
•       His holiness (holy is His name)
•       His mercy (His mercy extends to those who fear Him)
•       His sovereignty (He performed mighty deeds; He scattered; He brought down and lifted up)
•       His justice/goodness (He fills the hungry with good things but sent the rich away empty)
•       His help (He helped His servant Israel)
•       His faithfulness (remembering to be merciful, just as He promised)

I have heard it explained that while we wait for the second coming of Christ, there is also a continual “coming” where Jesus meets us individually in the most intimate places of our lives. He shines light in our darkest places and makes Himself known in our silent moments.

One of my seasons of darkness came when I found out my mother had stage 4 cancer that had spread throughout her body. I remember the frightening, uncertain expectation I experienced. The vulnerability that this kind of news invoked in me brought about a fear and confusion that impacted many things in my relationship with God but especially how I prayed. I remember not wanting to pray prayers of expectation and longing for fear of being disappointed. I didn’t want to have to deal with God on that level. I tried to short-cut surrender and simply settle for “not my will but your will be done.” However, true surrender is evident when praise for God overflows like with Mary, rather than when I stay in a place of silent longing and wishful thinking. It’s in these dark moments I remember a book titled, When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference, by Carolyn Custis James. Stepping beyond my longings (especially those that come from uncertain expectations), I learned to anchor my soul in the knowledge of God’s attributes. Praising God reminds me that He is present in my dark and uncertain places, holding me by my right hand and saying to me, “Do not be afraid for I am with you.” He truly is the God who sees me and you. Praise Him! 

Questions for Reflection:

•       As you approach this season of expectant waiting, what are your deep longings? Can you name the desires and places you long to meet God, where you wait and watch for Jesus’ presence?
•       Write a prayer of praise to God in light of your longing for the coming Messiah.