Anna: An Example

  And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

            Can we relate to this woman? Few of us have a lifestyle that enables us to spend all day and night in acts of worship… or do we? Brother Lawrence, a 17^th Century Monk, worked as a kitchen helper, performing the most mundane tasks, yet he was able to spend his days completely focused on God’s Presence with him, right there in the kitchen. Brother Lawrence said, by “applying my mind to these thoughts in the morning and then spending the rest of the day, even in the midst of all my work, in the presence of God, I considered that he was always with me, that he was even within me.”

            Mother Theresa of Calcutta once said that she would start every morning meditating on Jesus; then spend the rest of her day looking for Him in the faces of the people she encountered.

            Starting and ending our day in devout worship – through prayer and fasting – will open our awareness to the presence of Jesus among, and yes even within, us.

Let’s Do Something About It

·      Think about how often during the day you are attentive to God-with- you (Immanuel). Think about practical ways you can increase your awareness. (One friend of mine simply put blank “sticky notes” up around her house, car, and workplace. Whenever she spotted one she was reminded that the Lord’s Presence was with her!)

·      Next Wednesday begins the Lenten season. It is a good time to consider trying a fast – if not from food (or a type of food: for instance, sweets) perhaps you may try a fast from some habit or activity (such as watching TV).

·      Consider reading Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence during this Lenten season.

·      Consider journaling how these practices help you be more aware of Christ’s Presence in your day.