# The Magnificat: A Seventh‑Day Christmas Novena
*2015-12-21*

> Bill Young leads the seventh day of the Christmas novena, praying the Magnificat from Luke 1:46‑55 and reflecting on its meaning for the coming feast of the Lord.

## Opening Prayer

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer at Lunch podcast. Today we continue our Christmas novena on the seventh day, December 21. The title is “The Magnificat, the Spiritual Canticle of Mary,” taken from the Gospel according to Luke 1:46‑55.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

O God, come to my aid. Lord, make haste to help me. Lord, be with us, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

## The Magnificat

And Mary said:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, remembering His mercy, as He promised to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

[brief pause]

## Prayer for the Coming Salvation

Almighty God, fill the earth with Your goodness as we await the coming of Your Savior. May Your people, filled with the eternal joy that comes from You, always be sustained by Your heavenly aid through Christ our Lord. Amen.

## Our Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## Hail Mary and Closing Prayer

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Lord, be with us, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

*May the Magnificat inspire us to rejoice in God’s mercy as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.*