A Prayer about How to Wait for Redemption

How do we wait well for redemption?

She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. Luke 2:37

Author God,

How we thank you for the many characters 

you’ve written into your redemption story 

who show us how to live the stories you’re writing in us.

The aged Anna, who was either 84 or 104, 

who knew many years of suffering as a poor widow, 

shows us how to wait well in unfinished stories. 

Although Anna had not yet met her Redeemer, 

she waited with hope. 

Unlike us, she found your presence only in the temple; 

we know your presence in the Holy Spirit 

who dwells in us. 

Anna’s worship was not confined to Sunday mornings.

We too can worship you every hour of every day 

as we surrender our agendas to you. 

Anna practiced fasting, sharpening her senses 

to recognize redemption when it came. 

We too can fast,

whether from food or screens, 

or by taking up sacrificial practices 

like serving others 

so that we will see your return more clearly. 

Anna prayed and offered thanksgiving, 

hourly, daily, constantly. 

We too want to “pray without ceasing,” 

and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17),

for the gifts of redemption we already enjoy. 

Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, 

sought your face, 

and she recognized you when she saw you!

Seeing her Savior, she could not keep silent 

but spoke of you to all who were waiting for redemption. 

We too have seen your face, 

and we must share the good news of the gospel, 

the true meaning of Christmas, wherever we go!

In the name of our Redeemer, Jesus. Amen.

Read Luke 2:36-38.