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Anna — Present in Prayer
Anna’s Story: Luke 2:36–38
In the Word
She [Anna] did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37b).
Of the Word
When she was younger, Ida never missed a worship service or church activity. Now into her ninth decade, she depended on others to bring her to worship if her weak and ailing body allowed. One Sunday as she was surrounded by her church family, she smiled and said, “I’m not always here, but I can always pray!”
Perhaps she took her example from aged Anna who actually lived at the temple. Her service included fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37b). She was eighty-four years old when Jesus was presented at the temple, and we can assume that she spent the remainder of her life in service there.
Whether young or old, rich or poor, weak or strong, each of us has a place of service to the Lord. We are nourished by Word and sacrament, and we go out to serve Him at home and in the workplace. And like Anna as her modern-day sister in faith, we can always pray.
Walking with my Lord
Thank You, Lord, for giving me life and salvation in Jesus Christ. Help me serve You, dedicating my time and talents to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 20/34 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
