Tuesday, June 1
Her rival wife taunted her relentlessly in order to upset her.—1 Sam. 1:6.
The prophet Samuel’s mother, Hannah, had to deal with some difficult problems. For many years she was unable to have children. (1 Sam. 1:2) In Israelite culture, a woman who was barren was believed to be cursed. This left her feeling humiliated. (Gen. 30:1, 2) To make matters worse for Hannah, her husband had another wife, Peninnah, who bore him children and taunted Hannah about it. Hannah did not cope well with these difficult challenges. She was so upset that “she would weep and not eat.” She became “extremely bitter” at heart. (1 Sam. 1:7, 10) How did Hannah find comfort? Hannah poured out her feelings to Jehovah in prayer. After she prayed, she explained her situation to High Priest Eli. He then told her: “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition.” What was the result? Hannah “went on her way and ate, and her face was no longer downcast.” (1 Sam. 1:17, 18) Prayer helped Hannah to regain peace. w20.02 21 ¶4-5
May 31–June 6
DEUTERONOMY 1-2
Song 125 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“The Judgment Belongs to God”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
De 1:19; 2:7—How did Jehovah care for his people during their 40-year trek through a “great and fearsome wilderness”? (w13 9/15 9 ¶9)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?
Bible Reading: (4 min.) De 1:1-18 (th study 10)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 16)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Give the householder a meeting invitation, and introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (th study 11)
Talk: (5 min.) w13 8/15 11 ¶7—Theme: Avoid Uttering or Listening to Negative Speech. (th study 13)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“Remain Prepared During the Last of ‘the Last Days’”: (15 min.) Discussion by an elder. Play the video Are You Prepared for a Natural Disaster? Include reminders from the branch office and the body of elders, if provided.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 9 ¶10-17
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 64 and Prayer