Topical Bible: Fasting: Habitual by Anna

◄ Fasting: Habitual by Anna ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, is a practice observed throughout the Bible, often associated with prayer, repentance, and seeking God's guidance. One notable example of habitual fasting in the New Testament is Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. Her life of devotion and fasting provides a profound illustration of dedication to God.

Anna the Prophetess

Anna is introduced in Luke 2:36-38, where she is described as a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage and then as a widow until the age of eighty-four. Her life was marked by continuous worship, fasting, and prayer in the temple.

Scriptural Account

The Berean Standard Bible recounts Anna's devotion: "She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37). This passage highlights her unwavering commitment to God, as she dedicated her life to spiritual disciplines. Her fasting was not a sporadic act but a habitual practice, integrated into her daily worship.

Significance of Anna's Fasting

Anna's fasting is significant for several reasons:

1. Expression of Devotion: Anna's fasting was an expression of her deep devotion and love for God. By abstaining from food, she demonstrated her reliance on God for spiritual sustenance and her desire to draw closer to Him.

2. Intercessory Role: As a prophetess, Anna's fasting and prayers likely included intercession for the people of Israel. Her presence in the temple and her spiritual practices suggest a role of spiritual leadership and advocacy.

3. Awaiting the Messiah: Anna's life of fasting and prayer was intertwined with her anticipation of the Messiah. Her encounter with the infant Jesus, as described in Luke 2:38, was the culmination of her years of faithful waiting. She recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise and spoke about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

4. Model of Faithfulness: Anna serves as a model of faithfulness and perseverance. Her habitual fasting underscores the importance of consistent spiritual disciplines in the life of a believer. Her example encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of life's challenges.

Theological Implications

Anna's habitual fasting reflects a broader biblical theme of fasting as a means of spiritual preparation and purification. Throughout Scripture, fasting is often associated with seeking God's will, expressing repentance, and preparing for significant spiritual events. Anna's life exemplifies these themes, as her fasting prepared her to recognize and proclaim the arrival of the Messiah.

Conclusion

Anna's habitual fasting is a testament to her unwavering faith and dedication to God. Her life serves as an inspiration for believers to incorporate fasting into their spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of devotion, prayer, and anticipation of God's promises.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:37
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Against Jovinianus.
... For he promised that if they would prefer fulness to fasting they should be immortal,
as though it were an impossibility for them to fall; and while he ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm