Topical Bible: Prayer: Anna

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Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, is a notable biblical figure whose life exemplifies the power and devotion of prayer. Her account is found in Luke 2:36-38, where she is introduced as a devout woman of advanced age, dedicated to worship and prayer in the temple.

Anna was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was married for seven years before becoming a widow, and she remained in that state for the rest of her life. The text highlights her remarkable commitment to God, as she "never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37). This description underscores her life of continuous prayer and devotion, setting an example of steadfast faithfulness.

Her presence in the temple at the time of Jesus' presentation is significant. Anna's life of prayer positioned her to recognize the Messiah when He was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph. Upon seeing the child Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). Her response reflects a heart attuned to God's purposes, cultivated through years of prayer and fasting.

Anna's account illustrates several key aspects of prayer:

1. Perseverance in Prayer: Anna's continuous devotion to prayer, even in her old age, highlights the importance of perseverance. Her life demonstrates that prayer is not merely a duty but a lifelong commitment that sustains and enriches one's relationship with God.

2. Prayer and Fasting: The combination of prayer and fasting in Anna's life signifies a deep level of spiritual discipline. Fasting, as a form of self-denial, often accompanies prayer in the Bible, serving to focus the believer's attention on God and His will.

3. Prayer as Worship: Anna's prayerful life was an act of worship. Her constant presence in the temple and her dedication to prayer and fasting were expressions of her reverence and love for God.

4. Prayer and Prophecy: As a prophetess, Anna's life of prayer was intertwined with her prophetic gift. Her ability to recognize Jesus as the Messiah was a result of her spiritual sensitivity, honed through years of communion with God.

5. Prayer and Witness: Anna's immediate response to share the news of Jesus with others highlights the evangelistic aspect of prayer. Her encounter with the Messiah led her to testify to those awaiting redemption, showing that prayer can lead to bold witness.

Anna's example serves as an inspiration for believers to cultivate a life of prayer marked by devotion, discipline, and a readiness to respond to God's revelation. Her account encourages Christians to remain faithful in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.

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

Whether Prayer Should be Vocal?
... said to Thee: 'My face hath sought Thee,'" and we read of Anna (1 Kings ... with his
mind, but also with his body: and this applies to prayer considered especially ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prayer should be vocal.htm

By the Example of Anna St. ...
... we must observe what mode of life corresponds thereto; for Anna shows what ... in body,
whose resting-place is the temple, whose conversation is prayer, whose life ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iv by the example.htm

The Moody Colportage Library
... Anna P. Wright 127 Bible Problems Explained. JM Gray 128 Papers on The Lord's Coming.
"CHM" 129 Christian: Creed and Conduct. Evans 130 Intercessory Prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/the moody colportage library.htm

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
... Who among you can get this commendation that the Holy Ghost gives to Anna,
she served God with fasting and prayer night and day? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii be ye therefore.htm

Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy
... fathers, Jacob and the patriarchs still continued to prey; yea, and in the very
days of Christ, prayer was still made for him continually: Anna the prophetess ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/prayerthe forerunner of mercy.htm

And it Happened That, in the Time of the Feast...
... And for a whole day and night she remained in great trembling and in prayer. ... And
when Anna heard this, she lifted up her voice, and wept aloud. Footnotes: ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 2 and it happened.htm

The Spirit of Prayer.
... 10. Those who have the spirit of prayer know when the blessing comes. ... Because they
were not praying for the redemption of Israel. But Simeon and Anna knew him. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm

Treatise iv. On the Lord's Prayer.
... Thus the widow Anna, without intermission praying and watching, persevered in deserving
well ... of night"no idle and reckless waste of the occasions of prayer. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iv on the lords.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... For Anna is, by interpretation, grace. XIII. ... [3028] [This apostrophe is not prayer
nor worship. (See sec. xiv., infra.) It may be made by any orator. ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
... stir ourselves up so as to increase our holy desires." Hence in private prayer we
must ... hath said to Thee, My face hath sought Thee[200]; and of Anna we are ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxiii of prayer.htm