Luke 2:21-27, 36-38

Hebrews 9:28

2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

1 Timothy 5:3, 5

Her Ministry: A Prophetess

Her Home Life: The daughter of Phanuel, who was of the tribe of Asher in Galilee.

Her Status: A widow-indeed of about 60 years, Anna was 84 years and had been married for only seven years.

Her Purpose:
Honour widows that are widows indeed. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplication and prayers night and day.
1 Timothy 5:3, 5.

Her Character: Devoted to meditation and many hours of prayer.

Her Physical Attributes: At her age there was a great probability that Anna could not see or hear as well as in her youth, but that did not stop God from choosing to honor HER as the very vessel used to herald in the coming of the Messiah! What a mark of distinction that would be!

Meaning of her name: Grace and Favor

References:
Luke 2:21-27a, 36-38 KJV
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple...

[Verse 36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Of Special Note: In the Middle Eastern culture, widows, often considered as "castaways" (especially if childless), were depicted to be of no value thus thrust aside from the known world. However, Anna's life did not stop when her husband died as other widows at that time. God chose to make her a prophetess, and Anna negated the old saying that "No prophets can come from Galilee." (Dr. Herbert Lockler, All the Women of Bible). Biblically speaking, female prophets were rare; indeed it was considered an honor to be one.

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