When the eight days of purification were completed, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord to be circumcised. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, waiting for the Messiah of Israel, was in Jerusalem. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So, when the Spirit led him into the temple and he saw the parents bringing in the child Jesus, he took Him into his arms, and said to God, “Now I can leave this life in peace, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, He will be a Light of revelation to all the nations, and the glory of Your people Israel.” And His father and mother were amazed. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, “This Child has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose Him, revealing the deepest thoughts of many. And like a sword, it will pierce even your own soul.”
And there was a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel of Asher. She had been widowed after seven years of marriage, and never left the temple since. She was now eighty-four and she worshiped God night and day with fasting and prayer. When Simeon was praying, she heard what he said. She began giving thanks to God, and talked about Him continuously to those who were also waiting expectantly for the redemption of Jerusalem. From Luke 2: 21-38
Anna was a serious woman, who, after her husband died, came to the temple to serve God. Known as a prophet in Jerusalem, she was probably an insightful teacher of the Word of God and an encourager of other women and people who came to the temple to worship. She also spent many days and nights fasting and praying in the temple.
So when she heard Simeon pronouncing that the child Jesus was the Messiah she was waiting for, she believed him.
This short account in Luke doesn’t share why she fasted and prayed, but it seems reasonable to assume that this was a spiritual habit that she engaged in regularly. So, instead of just fasting over something specific, like many of the people we have been exploring in the Old Testament, she probably included fasting in her daily or weekly spiritual routine.
As I have researched the spiritual discipline of fasting, I have found that most Christian leaders over the past several hundred years also fasted regularly as part of their spiritual connection with God.
Because she took her relationship with God seriously, and hungered for Him instead of food, often, her heart was prepared to hear what Simeon was saying.
If you haven’t fasted much, it is probably best to first choose a short period of time to fast. Check out the posts on this site under the menu item, Read about a 30 Day Fast.
If you want to incorporate spiritual fasting into your regular routine, consider adding it to the time you normally spend with God, whenever that is. For me, I usually spend time with Him first thing every morning and fasting through breakfast intensifies the hunger I have for Him and the joy and instruction I find in His word. Some people choose a meal once or twice a week to fast through. Or, some time on Sunday, to more fully experience the Sabbath. Whenever God might lead you to fast, consider including a special time of solitude and silence when you do.
Be prepared! Fast and prepare your heart and your mind to wait on Him and follow Him wherever He leads.
Father God, I want to be closely connected with You at all times. I commit my time of fasting to listen to You. Use my time of fasting to speak to me. I want to hunger for You only. Prepare me to walk my life Your way. Amen.
happy hunger 
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