Waiting, worship and the prophetic

Anna and Simeon are going to be the focus of my meditation this week, Luke 2:21-38.

Again we see here two people who were worshipping, waiting and attentive to the Spirit's promptings.  Simeon is described as having the Holy Spirit upon him and Anna was a prophetess who never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.

 Here are some initial reflections:

• This passage speaks to me of waiting for God's timing and being able to see and respond when he comes ...

• I am also struck by the fact that this prophetic moment involves a man and a woman and, in this way, embodies the nature of God (Genesis 1:27)

• I see that waiting on God, discerning and responding to his call, involved a community dimension.  Each individual  in the passage was responding to the Lord in their own way and yet it was the coming together - Simeon's waiting and attentiveness, Mary and Joseph's faithfulness and obedience, and Anna's worship and prophecy - that enabled this significant moment.

Can I also say thank you to all those who have been in touch to let me know that this call to prayer resonates with you and sharing things that the Lord has been saying to our churches.  I have been greatly encouraged to read about your commitment to prayer and all the different ways this is being worked out around the country.