‘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.’ (Luke 1:46-49)
Summary: Begin prayer and worship with humble thankfulness for salvation in Jesus.
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In response to Elizabeth's encouraging words (v. 41-45), Mary is moved to worship God. We can see that, like Elizabeth was for Mary, we can all use our words to inspire hope and worship in others. In verses 46-55, we find Mary's song. She begins with praise, engaging her 'soul' and 'spirit'. True worship must involve our inner selves. Jesus teaches us that true worship is 'in spirit and in truth,' and Mary's song is a great example of this.
She addresses God as 'my Saviour.' Mary is not a sinless human being, and her worship begins with thankfulness for salvation and gratitude for His mercy towards her in her 'humble state.' Remembering God's mercy towards us is crucial when entering His presence in worship.
Response
When we have a time of prayer or when we lead others in prayer and worship, let us begin with humble thankfulness for the privilege of salvation. This raises the hope of the suffering and the sad while humbling the pride of the self-sufficient. Let us remember the cross and how God is our Saviour from beginning to end."
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. NOTICES
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. ICEBREAKER
What has God been speaking to you about from His Word this week and how has this helped you / affected your life?
3. STUDY AND PRAY TOGETHER
Please read Luke 1:39-80
On Sunday, we saw that when the Holy Spirit is working in someone, this will, as with Elizabeth, Mary and Zechariah, result in praise and joy which overflows in encouragement for others.
Did anything particularly strike you from Sunday's message?
In Luke 1:39-45, how does Elizabeth encourage Mary and what does this result in?
When we are filled with the Spirit, we will encourage others, why is this so and why is this important?
In Luke 1:46-45, we overhear Mary's song of worship as she is inspired by the Spirit. How could you develop your personal and corporate worship?
In Luke 1:67-80, we overhear Zechariah's 'prophetic' song of worship as he, like Mary, is filled with the Spirit. What does this 'prophetic' song teach us about God and hope?
SIV - This section is full of the work of the Spirit. If we are full of the Spirit, what will happen regarding our witness?
SIV - How could you serve, invest and invite this week and let’s pray about this.
Prayer - How would you like prayer as a result of today’s study?