THE HEART OF WORSHIP (PART 4)

And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the LORD, 

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."

Luke 1: 46-47 (NKJV)

Manificat

MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS - A TRUE WORSHIPER

A young woman, really a teenage girl, is perhaps one of the best examples in Scripture regarding the HEART of WORSHIP. Mary learned that God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus. In response to this news, Mary exclaimed one of the most beautiful prayers of PRAISE and ADORATION in Scripture. Luke 1:47-55 is known as the "Manificat."Her response to God's call in her life was not one of unwillingness or of giving excuses. While she probably and naturally had fears and concerns, she focused upon the truth that God called her and that He was in control. Her response was TRUE WORSHIP of God with an open and adoring HEART.
Mary's song reveals to us a picture of a WORSHIPING HEART. She declared her WORSHIP of GOD as she glorified the LORD, rejoiced in God, exclaimed who God was, and declared the wonderful works that God had done and continued to do. Look at the declarations she made about God:

God is her Savior (V 47)

God has regard for her (V48)

God is mighty (V49)

God has done great things for her (V49)

God's name is holy (V49)

God has mercy on those who fear Him (V50)

God demonstrates His strength (V51)

God scatters the proud (V51)

God dethrones the mighty (V52)

God exalts the humble (V52)

God satisfies the hungry (V53)

God sends the rich away empty (V53)

God helps His servant (V54)

God remembers to be merciful (V54)

Mary's HEART was open to God and loving toward God; she was committed to serving, worshiping, and obediently following Him.
Take some time to express our WORSHIP to GOD. Examine our HEART. Are we sincere and honest with God? Do we love and adore Him? Are we open to Him and to how He wants to use our lives, our unique personality and gifts? Is obedience to God's work in our lives difficult? Are we willing to follow Him even if none go with us?  
(an extract from: A Seeking Heart - Rediscovering True Worship by Alicia Williamson & Sarah Groves)