There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher… She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. Luke 2:36-37
Along with the godly man, Simeon, who recognized Jesus as the Christ, there was also this godly woman Anna. Notice what we are told about the way she lived her life.
Anna did not depart from the temple. The place of worship was the center of gravity for her life. She had a zeal for God’s house. She had a love for God’s people.
Anna gave herself to worshiping with fasting and prayer. Worship was not a duty for her, something to be fitted into her busy schedule. Worship was a joy for Anna. The question for her was always how other things could be fitted in around the first commitment of her life, which was to the Lord and to his people. To worship God is the first commandment—and it is the first commitment of those who truly love him.
Anna did this night and day. While other people were eating, she was fasting. While other people were sleeping, she was praying. While other people were playing, she was worshiping.
Anna had a prophetic gift. God gave a special gift of prophecy to Anna. No doubt it was cultivated through the closeness of her own walk with God. But from time to time she was given direct promptings from the Spirit of God that enabled her to discern the truth and to speak it into the lives of others.
Is worshiping God the first commitment of your life?