The Meaning of the Magnificat Prayer The name of the Magnificat prayer comes from the first words of Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55: "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" (My soul magnifies the Lord, or, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord). In the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer is recited during the Vespers (Evening Prayer). The Magnificat is a canticle, a Christian song of praise that in this case is taken directly from the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Scripture. Mary rec