Presence

I pause for a moment
and reflect on God’s life-giving presence
in every part of my body, in everything around me,
in the whole of my life.

Freedom

I ask for the grace
to let go of my own concerns
and be open to what God is asking of me,
to let myself be guided and formed by my loving Creator.

Consciousness

When I return to my everyday tasks,
remind me, Lord,
that You are always there beside me.
I need never despair.

The Word of God

³⁶There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. ³⁸At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

³⁹When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

Inspiration

Anna had lived a very long widowhood, and her life was one of fidelity in her worship of God in the temple through prayer and sacrifice. For such a life she is rewarded even on earth by recognising, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the promised Messiah. God will never be outdone in his generosity. May the lives of the saints who have gone before us be an inspiration to us.

As followers of Jesus Christ may we always strive to put God in the first place in our lives and to give time each day to praying with gratitude and to offering him our sacrifices.

Conversation

Lord, I know that when I turn to You there is no need for words.
You can see into my heart.
You know my desires and You know my needs.
I place myself into Your hands.

Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

Amen