Today we are imagining what it would have been like to be Simeon, Anna or Joseph of Arimathea. Those three historical figures are remembered for eagerly anticipating what God promised to do. They are credited with being actively hopeful as they waited for the Messiah. 

In Luke 2:25-38, Simeon is presented as “prayerfully expectant,” while Anna is counted among those who are “waiting expectantly.” Later in the same gospel, Luke 23:50 describes Joseph as, “He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God.” Looking forward to something (like a birthday, seeing a loved one, opening a gift, playing with friends, etc.) makes everything better. We asked God to help you live with hopeful anticipation as you actively expect God to work in and around you regardless of your circumstances. Simeon, Anna and Joseph all saw something that the experts missed. The Temple was filled with scholars that were purportedly experts on who the Messiah would be, but they didn’t see Him when He arrived. Therefore, we prayed that you see by faith so that you can experience God’s hand working in your life and in the people around you. We also prayed for open eyes, an understanding of hidden truths that others don’t comprehend, a heart for others around the world, and a desire to seek God in the work you are doing. 

We wrapped up our prayer time by praying for you to have the boldness to join God in whatever He reveals to you. May you be as filled with joy as Simeon was as he anticipated God’s incredible blessings.

Anticipating awesomeness,

The prayer team and Dayn

P.S. What does actively hopeful look like in your life?