This November, with a nod to the American Thanksgiving holiday, Contemplative at Home has prayed with stories on the theme of Gratitude.

This is the final in our short series, and you are invited to join your own song of gratitude with Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1, NRSV) as you listen to the slow and thoughtful reading of this passage, alert for the gem of insight hidden in one word or phrase from the text.

“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.His mercy is for those who fear him    from generation to generation.He has shown strength with his arm;    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.He has brought down the powerful 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,    in remembrance of his mercy,according to the promise he made to our ancestors,    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

All music by Pete Hatch. petehatch.com.