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{Prayers of the New Testament} ~ 2

 PRAYERS OF SIMEON AND ANNA -  

Seeing God at work_ 

 
[Group activity starter] On a piece of paper, write the names of some older people who have been models for you, particularly in the area of prayer. Next to their names, list the character traits they modeled for you and note any ways that those traits spilled over into their prayer life. Describe to the group one of those character traits and how the person modeled it. 

 

Anna and Simeon, in Luke 2, have been models of older age and wisdom for many Christians over the centuries. Their stories help us learn to be open to the Spirit when we pray... 

 
[Read Luke 2:22-38] 

Imagine you're walking closely behind Mary and Joseph after these events and overhear their conversation. What do you think they might say to each other or remark about as they leave the temple with Jesus? 

 

What do we learn about Mary and Jospeh from verses 22-24? 
 

 

Luke describes Simeon as "righteous and devout" and says "the Holy Spirit was upon him" (v25). What do you think these characteristics look like as they're lived out in everyday life? 
 

 

[Activity] Have a go at putting Simeon's prayer (verses 29-32) in your own words. 

 

 What do you think is the significance of Simeon's inclusion of "all people" in his prayer (v31)? 

 

 

Anna and her actions are described in verses 36-38. Compare and contrast the description of Anna with the words about Simeon in verses 25-28. 

 
 
 

 

Describe some of the ways that you would like to resemble Simeon and Anna. 

 
 

 

The combination of obedience to God's word and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance enabled Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna to experience this amazing moment. How do obedience to God and openness to the Spirit lay a foundation for prayer? 
 

 

How have you seen obedience and openness to the Spirit work together in your life? 
 

 

What would help you grow in these two areas? 

 

Look back on the past week. 
What can you see God doing? 

  

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