Thursday, June 19
Pray constantly.—1 Thess. 5:17.
Jehovah expects us to act in harmony with our prayers. For example, a brother may ask Jehovah to help him get time off from his secular work so that he can attend a regional convention. How might Jehovah answer that prayer? He might give the brother the courage he needs to approach his employer. But the brother will still need to follow through by making the request. He may need to ask repeatedly. He may even offer to trade shifts with another employee or take the time off without pay. Jehovah expects us to pray repeatedly about our concerns. Jesus implied that some of our requests would not be granted right away. (Luke 11:9) So do not give up! Pray earnestly and repeatedly. (Luke 18:1-7) When we do so, we show Jehovah that our request is not just a passing whim. We also demonstrate our faith in his ability to help us. w23.11 22 ¶10-11
JUNE 16-22
PROVERBS 18
Song 90 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Speak Refreshingly to Those Coping With Health Challenges
(10 min.)
Speak with godly wisdom (Pr 18:4; w22.10 22 ¶17)
Try to understand what the person is going through (Pr 18:13; mrt article 19 box)
Be a supportive and patient friend (Pr 18:24; wp23.1 14 ¶3–15 ¶1)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What can I do to support my marriage mate if he or she is coping with a physical or mental health problem?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 18:18—Why were lots used in Bible times? (it-2 271-272)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 18:1-17 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(1 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The person speaks another language. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Following Up
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. The person asks you to be brief. (lmd lesson 7 point 4)
6. Following Up
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Teach the person an important truth about God’s Kingdom. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
7. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. ijwfq article 29—Theme: Do You Believe in Creationism? (lmd lesson 5 point 5)
Song 144
8. Helping Loved Ones Draw Close to Jehovah “Without a Word”
(15 min.) Discussion.
Many of us know someone who is not presently serving Jehovah—perhaps our marriage mate, our child, or a dear friend who has strayed from the congregation. Have you ever caught yourself being overly forceful or even blunt in an attempt to persuade him to serve Jehovah? Though our motives are good, our words could actually make things worse. (Pr 12:18) What would be a better approach?
First Peter 3:1 explains that an unbelieving husband “may be won without a word.” Even if a Christian sister’s husband refuses to discuss Bible truths with her, she may still be able to help him come to know Jehovah. Her conduct, which has been molded by such godly qualities as love, kindness, and wisdom, may soften his heart. (Pr 16:23) Our conduct and graciousness can have a good effect on loved ones who do not currently serve Jehovah.—“Gracious” study note on Col 4:6, nwtsty.
Play the VIDEO Successful Fighters for the Faith—Those With Unbelieving Mates. Then ask the audience:
What do you learn from Sister Sasaki’s experience?
What do you learn from Sister Ito’s experience?
What do you learn from Sister Okada’s experience?
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 27 ¶23-26, boxes on pp. 214, 217