Preparation For Congregation Meetings

There are many matters that need attention during periods of family study. How can you fit them all in? It is impossible to do everything at the same time. But you may find it helpful to make a checklist. (Proverbs 21:5) From time to time, review it and consider what needs special attention. Take a keen interest in the progress of each family member. This arrangement for family study is an important part of Christian education, equipping us for life now and preparing us for the eternal life to come. - 1Timothy 4:8.

Does your family study include preparation for congregation meetings? There are a number of projects that you might progressively work on as you study together. Some of these may require weeks, months or even years to accomplish. Consider these goals: (1)each one in the family ready to comment at the congregation meetings; (2) each one working on giving comments in his own words; (3)including scriptures in comments; and (4)analyzing the material with a view to personal application. All of this can help an individual to make the truth his own.- Psalm 25:4, 5) /

Even if your family study is usually based on the Watchtower lesson for the week, do not overlook the importance of individual or family preparation for the Congregation Book Study, the Theocratic Ministry School, and the Service Meeting. These too are important parts of program for teaching us to walk in Jehovah's way. You may periodically be able to prepare for the meetings as a family group. by your working together, study skills will be improved. As a result, more good will be derived from the meetings themselves. Among other things, discuss the benefits of regular preparation for these meetings and the importance of having a definite time set aside for it.- Ephesians 5:15-17.

At the "God's Way Of Life" Conventions, we were encouraged to prepare for another feature of our meetings - the singing. Have you followed through on that? Doing so can help to etch Bible truths on our minds and hearts and at the same time enhance our enjoyment of congregation meetings.

Preparation that includes reading and discussing the meaning of the words in some of the scheduled songs can help us to sing from the heart. In ancient Israel, musical instruments were prominently used in worship. (1Chronicles 25:1;Psalm 28:7) Does someone in your family play a musical instrument? Why not use that instrument to practice one of the Kingdom songs for the week, and then sing the song as a family. Another possibility is to use a recording of the songs. In some lands our brothers sing beautifully without musical accompaniment. As they walk on the roads or go about their work in the fields, they often enjoy singing the songs that are scheduled for the congregation meetings that week.- Ephesians 5:19.

Next time: Family Preparation For Field Service