The Magnificat

Luke 1 records the visit of the Virgin Mary to her elderly relative Elizabeth, who will soon give birth to John the Baptist (see 616 [the Visitation]). Mary, who will give birth to Jesus, utters a poem of praise to God, often known by its first word in Latin, Magnificat. The poem praises God for smiling upon humble people like herself. The Magnificat has been widely used in worship, and has been set to music many times, notably by Johann Sebastian Bach.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Glimpse into the Future of Eternal Praise

Timothy Keller

Every possible experience, if prayed to the God who is really there, is destined to end in praise. Confession leads to the joy of forgiveness. Laments lead to a deeper resting in him for our happiness. If we could praise God perfectly, we would love him completely and then our joy would be full.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Poetry of Praise and Redemptive Mission

Timothy Keller

The praise of the redeemed. His people praise him because he has made them his people and because he honors and delights in them —though they don’t deserve it. Gospel joy, knowing how honored and loved we are in Christ, makes us ready for this mission.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Praise that Unites All

Timothy Keller

Praise Those Unites. We see extremes brought together in praise: wild animals and kings, old and young. Young men and maids, old men and babes. How can humans be brought into the music? He has raised up for his people a horn, a strong deliverer.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Praise Resounds Throughout Creation

Timothy Keller

The Praise Of Creation. Praise comes to God from all he has made. It begins in the highest heaven (verses 1–4). It comes from the sun and moon and stars (verse 3), from the clouds and rain (verse 4).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

True Worship that Pleases the Lord

Timothy Keller

A little boy left his toys out and went in to practice the piano, using hymns for his lesson. When his mother called him to pick up his toys, he said, “I ca n’t eat; “I’m singing praise to Jesus.” His mother responded: “There's no use singing God's praises when you're being disobedient.”