Marian Psalms and Hymns: The Biblical Prayer of Mary

Salmos and Marian Canticles: Mary’s Biblical Prayer

Introduction

Mary prayed the *Psalms*, Israel’s book of prayer. She grew up with them, learned their language of relationship with God, and allowed herself to be shaped by their spirituality. Marian exegesis identifies a collection of Psalms and biblical canticles that tradition associates particularly with Mary.

The Magnificat and Hannah’s Song

The *Magnificat* (Luke 1:46-55) is the quintessential Marian canticle. However, its roots lie in Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:1-10), the mother of Samuel. Mary knew this song by heart and drew inspiration from it. The parallel between Hannah, a sterile mother who receives the gift of a child, and Mary reveals the continuity of God’s action throughout Israel’s history.

Psalm 45 (46): The Royal Wedding Poem

Psalm 45 is a wedding poem that celebrates the beauty of the *Queen* who submits to the King. The Marian tradition has applied it to Mary as the daughter of the King who presents herself to the Lord: “Listen, daughter, and pay attention, forget your people and your father’s house” (Psalm 45:10). The departure from family for obedience to God’s call resonates with Mary’s *Fiat*.

The Song of Songs and Mary

The *Song of Songs* has been interpreted by the Church Fathers both eucharistically (the Bride is the Church) and Marianly (the Bride is Mary). Antiphons in the Divine Office often apply texts from the *Song of Songs* to Mary: “Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke?” (Song of Songs 3:6).

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Church Teaching

> “The Marian canticles, *Magnificat*, *Benedictus*, *Nunc Dimittis*, drawn from Sacred Scripture, hold a prominent place in the Liturgy of the Hours.” (Paul VI, Apostolic Constitution *Laudis Canticum*, November 1, 1970)