Presence

“I stand at the door and knock,” says the Lord. (Revelation 3:20). What a wonderful privilege that the Lord of all creation desires to come to me. I welcome His presence.

Freedom

Lord, I ask for the grace to know
that doing Your will is a joy
because Your will is my deepest desire
and You are always willing what is best for me.

Consciousness

Lord, You are present in all things
and when I take time to simply sit and be with You,
my mind rests
and I feel Your peace.

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 appears only once in the Christmas story, but she has some notable qualities. She is no longer young, but her faith and hope have not been dimmed by age. She, like Simeon, knows where to come and is rewarded for her diligence. Her great constancy leads her to the temple, and her fasting and prayer are rewarded.

We pray today for some of Anna’s constancy and ask that our own efforts may be rewarded by a sense, Lord, of your presence to keep us moving onwards towards you.

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

Filled with the loving presence of God,
I ask Him to bless me and guide my steps
as I go to do His work in my daily life.

Amen