Father, there are those among us who like Simeon and Anna
have worked all their lives in your service.
Thank you for all they have taught us
and demonstrated to us of your kingdom.
Keep them fresh in their faith
and a continued inspiration to the young.
Make us sensitive to their growing physical needs
and give us a generous spirit in serving them.
prayer from Pakistan (slightly altered)
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There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
