Revelation and Worship

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. ³⁸At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

What is the result of a lifetime of worshipping fully?  What happens to a person after dedicating their life to worship and prayer?  The story of Anna suggests it results in understanding what God is up to in the world.  Anna is a widow who has spent many years coming to the temple and dedicating her life to worshipping God.  The moment she sees the 8-day old Jesus she knows the truth.  It will be through this child that the redemption of Jerusalem will take place.  This child is the one they have been waiting for.  Anna sees Jesus and knows immediately. 

Like anything, the more we spend our time devoted in worship, prayer, and reading the word the more we will grow.  We do not become spiritual giants overnight.  Rather, we become more spiritually strong through a lifetime of discipline and effort.  Anna knew Jesus because she had read the word and knew intimately the promises of God.  She was actively looking for signs of God's work in the world and was open.  The revelation that came to her was the result of a lifetime of faithfulness. 

What might God be trying to reveal to us?  How would a lifetime of spiritual discipline better prepare us to see what God is doing in our lives and the world?