X

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

We call the four songs at the beginning of Luke canticles. Canticle comes from another Latin word, canticulum, meaning “little song.” We use this term to describe hymns in the Bible located outside the book of Psalms. The four canticles in Luke 1–2 entered the church’s regular worship early and are still in common use today. In some traditions of the church, these canticles are daily prayers.

—Max O. Vincent, Good News of Great Joy: Advent Reflections on the Songs of Luke (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

How do you think the canticles, or “little songs,” in Luke enrich our worship today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”
—Luke 1:46-49 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord, Emmanuel. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Seeking resources for spiritual formation and prayer? Subscribe to The Upper Room Recommends, a weekly email with resource suggestions for small groups, congregational studies, and individual spiritual growth.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

4 Comments

  • Julie Posted November 30, 2021 8:06 am

    I did not know this concept. It sounds somewhat familiar but not really. So I cannot answer the question.
    I see the surgeon this afternoon. The stitches come out and hopefully I wiill receive a good report. I have not been allowed to rest…at all. I am so tired and my body is wearing out but no one seems to care. It is as if it never happened…to others.
    Prayers for Ally and David as they await another appointment and PSA results and for kitty Jeremy and his UTI, may the antibiotics heal him and may he not get a blockage. Prayers for Jill and Roger, may his insulin finally bring down his blood sugar numbers. Prayers for Robert as he continues to respond to Erich’s religious questions with patience. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
    Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Jill Posted November 30, 2021 9:58 am

    I had never heard these prayers/monologues called “canticles”. But – this has triggered an idea. I have been looking for something to add to my time in the morning, centering around Advent. I think I will take each of these canticles for one week, prayerfully meditating on them. The submissive stance of Mary has been meaningful to me in the past, upon meditation.
    Falling back into routine here, which is where my comfort is. Early to bed last night with Roger. On Sunday I got out some of mom’s Christmas decorations – some simply elegant ceramics which she had made. A candle or two, as well. A touch of snow overnight, just enough to make me be careful on my run this morning.
    Will be having dinner with my friend and her dogs this evening, and will discuss the next chapter in the book we are going through.

  • Ally Posted November 30, 2021 10:07 am

    The canticles focus on praising the Lord and thanking Him for His goodness. Even when times are tough and we don’t have our own words, we can praise God with Bible hymns.
    We visited with Jeremy for a few minutes yesterday. He was so glad to see us. Called vet for an update this morning and he now has a urinary blockage. Not news we were hoping for. Jeremy has been catheterized and will be camping out with vet for a few more days. My poor boy. His buddies miss him. Our girl Lucy is his best friend and misses him greatly. Thank you for your prayers. Jill, I pray you get a good report and can others will let you get the rest you need. Jill, prayers continue for your dad’s smooth transition to Snowbird life in Florida. This sounds like a positive thing. May little Roger’s blood sugar numbers be down. Robert, prayers continue for you and Erich. I’m glad you have your model work. Thanks for your wisdom and insight. I pray all will be safe as we face another variant. I pray for our world. Blessings to all.

  • robert moeller Posted November 30, 2021 11:43 pm

    I was unaware that these parts of Luke 1-2 are canticles. I’m not aware of them being used regularly in worship. They are not among my most familiar scripture.
    Erich has concerns about his future, the unknown troubles him. There is a plan and so far it is being accomplished. He has changed a lot since middle school-high school days. He’s much more vocal, expressive. Now he’s more open.
    Thankful for your prayers of support. I pray for better results for David’s health, Larry in FL, Julie’s surgery (I urge you to slow down, take breaks, break neck speed isn’t healthy) and the health issues of Roger and Jeremy. Chapter 1 of Adam Hamilton’s book, Incarnation, is very timely, educational, and supportive. His books are well received by this Bible study group.
    Thank You, Lord

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *