ACQUIRE A HEART AGREEABLE TO JEHOVAH

'Prepare Your Heart To Consult God's Word'

The figurative heart can be likened to soil in which the seed of truth can be planted. (Matthew 13:18-23) Literal soil is usually cultivated to ensure the healthy growth of the crop. Similarly, the heart should be prepared, or made ready, so that it is more receptive to the Word of God, Ezra the priest prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it." (Ezra 7:10) how may we prepare our heart?

An excellent preparation of the heart when we consult God's Word is heartfelt prayer. Christian meetings of true worshipers open and close with prayer. How appropriate that we begin each period of personal Bible study with a sincere prayer and then maintain a prayerful attitude during our study!

The figurative heart must be prepared to set aside preconceived opinions. the religious leaders of Jesus' day were unwilling to do this. (Matthew 13:15) On the other hand, Jesus' mother, Mary drew conclusions "in here heart" based on the truths that she had heard. (Luke 2:19, 51) She became a faithful disciple of Jesus. Lydian of Thyatira listened to Paul, "and Jehovah opened here heart wide to pay attention." She too became a believer. (Acts 16:14, 15) May we never rigidly hold to personal ideas or cherished doctrinal views. Rather, let us be willing to "let God be found true, though every man be found a liar."-Romans 3
:4.

Preparing the heart to listen at Christian meetings is particularly important. Distractions may turn our attention away from what is being said. The spoken words can exert little influence on us if we are preoccupied with things that happened during the day or are concerned about what is awaiting us tomorrow. We need to be firmly resolved to listen and learn if we are to benefit from what is being said. What benefits we can receive if we are determined to understand the scriptures being expounded and the meaning that is being put to them! -Nehemiah 8:5-8, 12.

Next time: Continue with 'Prepare Your Heart To Consult God's Word'

Watchtower, 2001