Luke 2.36–38 KJV
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 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. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Anna’s Background and Faith
Anna was from the tribe of Asher—one of the “lost tribes” of the northern kingdom of Israel who had fallen into idolatry. Yet, by God’s grace, she remained a believing woman of the scattered remnant who still hoped for the Messiah.
She was the daughter of Phanuel, a name meaning “Face of God”—a fitting and providential detail in the events that would unfold in her life. Anna’s own name, the same as Hannah in the Old Testament, means “favor” or “grace.” Like Hannah, Anna was a woman of prayer and devotion, often found in the Temple seeking God’s presence.
Anna’s husband died only seven years into their marriage, leaving her a widow for eighty-four years. By the time she appears in the Gospel of Luke, she was over one hundred years old. In her day, widowhood brought immense hardship. Without a husband, life was uncertain and often lonely. There is no mention of children or family to care for her, yet we are told so much about her character just in the three verses that only speak of her in the entire Bible.
What stands out to me most about Anna is what Scripture does not say—there is no mention of bitterness or self-pity. Instead, we see a woman who met her sorrow with grace, strength, and unwavering faith in the God she had heard of all her life.
Five Lessons from Anna’s Life
Luke’s brief description of Anna reveals five defining qualities that make her an example for every believer:
- She was a prophetess.
- She departed not from the Temple.
- She served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
- She gave thanks unto the Lord.
- She spoke of Him to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Let’s look at each of these traits more closely.
1. She Was a Prophetess
Anna was one of the few women in Scripture called a prophetess. Other examples include Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and Isaiah’s wife in the Old Testament, and Philip’s four daughters in the New Testament.
But Anna was not like Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Haggai or Ezekiel—prophets who received direct revelation from God. The word prophetess used in describing Anna likely means that she was devoted to speaking and teaching God’s Word, perhaps to other women in the Temple. She may have been a source of encouragement, instruction, and spiritual insight, known for her wisdom and faithfulness.
When Luke calls her a “prophetess,” it doesn’t suggest she held a formal office of prophecy. Rather, she was a woman who deeply knew Scripture and spoke it faithfully—a teacher, encourager, and woman of the Word who had hidden God’s truth in her heart.
2. She Departed Not from the Temple
Anna was a constant presence in the Temple. Perhaps she lived nearby, arriving early each morning and staying until nightfall. Her faithfulness and consistency made her a familiar face to those who worshipped there.
Because of her devotion, Anna was present for the most significant moment of her life—seeing the long-awaited Messiah. Luke notes that she arrived “in that instant,” just as Simeon was blessing the baby Jesus. Her presence wasn’t coincidence; it was the fruit of a lifetime of faithful worship.
If she had stayed home that day, she would have missed the moment she had prayed for her entire life. Anna’s story reminds us that when we are faithful in worship—even when it feels routine—God often meets us in unexpected ways. God saw her faithfulness in the years leading up to that day, and He honored her with one of the greatest gifts of her lifetime. What seemed like a normal morning to Anna was anything but ordinary in God’s plan. Her routine visit to the Temple became the day she met the Savior face to face.
Anna is an example who challenges us: How many opportunities or blessings might we miss if we are not where we should be—faithfully serving God— if we allow lesser things to keep us from worshipping God? but instead allow other things to take priority?
3. She Served God with Fastings and Prayers Night and Day
Anna’s devotion was marked by prayer and fasting. Her fasting was not a ritual or formality, but an expression of deep sincerity and dependence on God. True fasting flows from a heart so consumed with prayer that physical hunger fades in comparison to spiritual desire.
We can only imagine what her prayers over the years were like. Prayers for herself, for others whose paths she crossed, for the nation of Israel, for the coming of the Messiah, for God’s mercy and restoration. She believed with all her heart the promises of the Scriptures. Her faith was rooted in confident expectation of what and who would come, and her life reflected it.
And then one day, the answer to all her prayers came—a tiny baby boy, wrapped in a blanket held in Simeon’s arms. Everything she had longed for was fulfilled before her very eyes.
4. She Gave Thanks unto the Lord
When Anna saw Jesus, she knew in her heart who He was. What overwhelming feelings must she have felt in that moment. She immediately gave thanks to God. Decades of prayer and fasting turned to overflowing praise. Imagine the joy of seeing, in living form, the answer to a lifetime of prayer.
Anna’s gratitude challenges us to trust God’s timing. Sometimes His answers come after years—perhaps even a lifetime—of faithful devotion. But when they come, they are worth every moment of waiting.
5. She Spoke of Him to All Who Looked for Redemption
Anna didn’t keep the good news to herself. She told everyone she met who was waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Her age, gender, or social position didn’t stop her from sharing the message of hope.
Like Anna, we too are called to proclaim Jesus and His Good News—the Savior who was born, died, and rose again for our salvation. Let her boldness inspire us not to shrink back in fear or hesitation, but to share the good news freely and joyfully.
Living Like Anna
Anna’s life is a portrait of steadfast faith. She endured great loss throughout her life, yet never wavered in her devotion to God. She prayed when others might have given up. She showed up when others might have stayed home. She could have let circumstances keep her from serving—responsibilities at work or home, weariness, discouragement, or the sometimes heaviness life. Yet Anna persevered. She continued to serve God despite whatever challenges she carried with her.
Let us strive to be like Anna—faithful in worship despite circumstances, steadfast in prayer, and quick to give thanks. Anna had no idea of knowing when or even if her prayers and hearts longings would ever be granted by God, but that never deterred her from her faithful obedience to God.
May we be women (and men) who:
- Run to God in hardship and difficult times, not away from Him.
- Remain faithful in service and worship.
- Stay devoted to prayer, Scripture, and fasting.
- Tell others about the hope we have in Christ.
Anna’s story reminds us that a life of quiet, consistent faith can leave a powerful legacy—one that points others to Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer of all.
