Anna's Advent AdventureSample

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. Luke 2:36-38 (KJV)

When I see the Word "serve" I think about "sacrifice" and "dedication." Anna dedicated her life to serving God. She mastered her body by praying and fasting day and night. She presented it as a living sacrifice for service to God. Like Anna, God wants us to serve him with every part of our being. Our bodies are instruments of service to God. Romans 12:1 (KJV) says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Like Anna presented her body to God, we also can present our bodies as a living sacrifice by submitting to the leading of the HolySpirit daily. When we yield to the leading of the Spirit of God and obey the Word, we present our bodies for service to God. 

Serving God with prayer and fasting

I believe Anna's prayers were not about her personal needs. She must have been praying for God's people and the coming of Jesus Christ. This is what advent is about—preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ.  Is your prayer and fasting life revealing a desire to see the return of Jesus? We know that Jesus's second coming will not occur until the gospel is spread abroad (Matthew 24:14). Hence, we serve God with prayer and fasting when we pray and fast for the salvation of souls, open doors for the gospel in difficult places, or unity in the Church. Praying and fasting help us grow spiritually and advance the salvation of souls in places we may never visit.