Better Recognize: The Anna Fast

There was also a prophet, Anna. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child [Jesus] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. – Luke 2:36–38, abridged (NRSV) 

It seems that Anna recognized God immediately. Would I? Do I?  

Scripture shows us a woman whose life had been shaped with intention. When God arrived, Anna didn’t hesitate. Recognition came naturally to her because she’d formed her life to receive it. 

Luke tells us that Anna was always in the temple worshiping, praying and fasting. She watched and waited, attentive to what God was up to around her. Her practices protected her attention and shaped her readiness. Because she stayed present to God’s presence, she missed nothing. 

When Anna saw Jesus, she praised God and spoke to everyone who was looking for redemption. Her voice carried clarity and authority. Her readiness flowed from a life tended with care. 

At the turn of the new year, I invited my congregation into a practice I decided to call, “The Anna Fast.” It’s pretty simple: we’re just trying to be a little more like Anna. We’re trying to shape that same kind of readiness in our own lives. This is an unrestrictive fast that’s meant to form, not diminish us in the way some fasts can. We want the kind of disciplines that make recognition happen.  

We strive to do the following in lasting ways, in the hopes that we continue this fast throughout our lives. It involves through commitments: 

1. We guard the gate of our attention.  

2. We protect the body that carries our calling.  

3. We tend the gifts God has already placed within us. 

Together, these practices help us live steady, available, and responsive. 

Anna shows us what becomes possible when we position our lives for revelation. So that when God shows up, we see it. And when we see God, we respond with confidence and joy.  

Prayer 
Holy God, shape our lives with care and intention. Help us to recognize you clearly and to respond with praise. Amen.

About the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.