Persistent Prayer – The Life of the Prophetess Anna

Luke 2:36-38 “ Anna, a prophetess, was also there in the Temple that day. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the Jewish tribe of Asher, and was very old, for she had been a widow for eighty-four years following seven years of marriage. She never left the Temple but stayed there night and day, worshiping God by praying and often fasting.

38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she also began thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem who had been awaiting the coming of the Savior[f] that the Messiah had finally arrived.

A Persistent Widow

Jesus is being dedicated in the temple in today’s story. Simeon meets Mary and Joseph and gives a blessing upon the child and a prophetic word to Mary.  “This child will pierce your heart and be rejected by many.”  “But he will be the greatest joy of many others. The deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.”

At this time, our heroine, Anna the Prophetess, comes on the scene.  Simeon is giving the blessing over the baby Jesus.  Luke only writes that she was praising and thanking God and telling everyone. He does not tell us what Anna actually said.

Eighty-four years of persistent service

Further, we learn from scripture that Anna has been in the temple area everyday. She never left the temple worshiping day and night.  Being a widow, she may have lived in or close to the temple.  Possibly her late husband had been a priest allowing her to be in the temple area.  Being  a respected prophetess,  Anna could have had access to the temple.

Worshiping and prayer for Messiah

According to the scripture and customs of the time, Anna  must have married around the age of 13 years and served 84 years in the temple.    “Young women were married almost as soon as they were physically ready, approximately age 13.”   http://blog.adw.org/2017/03/marriage-family-time-jesus/  Impressively,  Anna lived over 100 years, worshiping God and prayer for Messiah to come.

Your strength will equal your days

Anna was the daughter of Phanuel and of the tribe of Asher.   What can we learn from names in scripture?   Phanuel means the “face of God” telling us that her father knew the God of Israel intimately. Obviously, she knew scripture and the God of Israel.   Her family tribe, Asher, was prophesied by Moses in Deuteronomy 33:25 “your strength will equal your days.”  Most certainly we see the truth of the prophecy.  In those days, most did not live to be that old.  Anna devoted her life to the ministry given to her by God.

Standing fast waiting for the expected Messiah

Subsequently, this is one of the most devoted prayer ministry I’ve ever studied. Eighty-four years of praying, fasting and watching for the Messiah to come.  If only I could be that persistent!  The prophetess Anna prayed persistently for years for Messiah.  After seeing Jesus, she prophesied throughout Jerusalem of the arrival of the long awaited Messiah.

How’s your devotion?

In conclusion, we have only two verses about Anna.  We  learned a fraction of her life.   A life of persistent prayer is an every moment adventure. It is an all day everyday attitude of worship.  Are you worshiping and anxiously waiting for Jesus return?   It could be possible very soon.  We need to be on our faces praying and telling the good news of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.

PRAY IT WILL INCREASE YOUR FAITH

https://youtu.be/GlGuh-zT84Q   When we pray Tauren Wells

 

 

https://youtu.be/NbvKcQkneNY  Wayne Watson  When God’s People Pray

More on persistent living to come!

Freda Reynolds

Other devotions on Prayer

https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2016/11/09/time-out-to-seek-gods-face/

https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2019/01/14/persistence-in-prayer/