The Widows Call to Prayer
The Widows Call to Prayer by Andy Mendonsa, Director of Widows Harvest Ministries.
Luke 2:36-38
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, 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.
I Timothy 5:9-10
No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
New Entry
Christians throughout the ages from Tertullian to Calvin to Samuel Rutherford to many present-day believers have understood the above passage to be referring to an "order of widows" in the church. Brian M. Schwertley presents a lengthy and scholarly review on the subject of an order of widows, and concludes that the order of widows are the true "deaconesses" of the early church. Below are some shorter links to commentaries and church fathers on the subject: