At the very moment that Simeon was telling Mary that she would be pierced in her soul (mind, emotions and will) so that secret thoughts and purposes of many hearts will be disclosed, Anna came up to them.  It would seem she gave thanks to God for what she had overheard.

  Who was Anna? (See Luke 2:36-37)
A prophetess
A daughter from Asher’s tribe
An older woman (84 years of age)
A widow after being married seven years
Dedicated her days and nights to God by fasting and praying in the temple

(NASB) Luke 2:38 “At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

What did Anna talk about to those who were looking for the redemption (deliverance) of Jerusalem?  Jesus!

Who needs to hear what you have heard about the Lord Jesus?
How will you share this Good News with that one?

Anna fasted and prayed…she was dedicated to do the ‘hidden’ work of praying.

You also can fast and pray, perhaps your physical condition will not be conducive to fasting from food…however, you can fast from time spent on the phone, or going to lunch, or playing games…if you are serious in wanting to fast and pray, ask the Lord to show you from what you can fast and give that time to prayer.

Fasting (setting a specific day and time aside) to pray for specific legitimate needs for yourself, for others, for your Pastor/Priest, for your nation and her leaders.  Pray expecting God to hear you and respond to your requests.  (Notice I said your requests…are you one who gives God a grocery list then tell Him what aisle He is to use?)

Jesus is the Redemption of ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________.  Is your name on that line?  Have you found the Redeemer?  Do you know Jesus as your Savior?