New Testament · New Testament
Anna the Prophetess
“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”Luke 2:38
Biography
Anna was a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, who had been widowed after seven years of marriage and had spent her remaining decades at the Temple — fasting and praying night and day. Luke notes she was 84 years old. She arrived at the exact moment Simeon was blessing the infant Jesus, and immediately began praising God and speaking about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. She is one of Scripture's great examples of the persevering prayer life.
Spiritual Lesson
Anna spent decades in prayer without seeing the answer — and then arrived at the exact right moment. Her perseverance was not wasted; it was preparation. She teaches us that a life of prayer positions us to recognize what others miss. The long years of waiting had sharpened her spiritual sight so that when the Messiah appeared, she recognized him immediately. Faithful prayer always arrives in time.