Fasting prayers of Anna at the Temple: Luke Ch 2/37

The Presentation in the Temple.22^* When the days were completed for their purification^* according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,^h23just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,”ⁱ24and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel,^* and the holy Spirit was upon him.26It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.27He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,28he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

29“Now, Master, you may let your servant go

in peace, according to your word,

30for my eyes have seen your salvation,^j

31which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel.”^k

33The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;34and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted^l35(and you yourself a sword will pierce)^* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,37

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

38And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.^m