Have you noticed in the pictures in this brochure how well-dressed Jehovah’s Witnesses are when attending their congregation meetings? Why do we pay such attention to our dress and grooming?

To show respect for our God. It is true that God looks beyond our outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7) However, when we gather to worship him, our heartfelt desire is to show respect both for him and for our fellow worshippers. If we were to stand before a judge in court, we would likely give attention to our appearance out of regard for his position. Likewise, the way we appear at meetings shows our esteem for “the Judge of all the earth,” Jehovah God, and for the place where we worship him.​—Genesis 18:25.

To reflect the values that we live by. The Bible encourages Christians to dress “with modesty and soundness of mind.” (1 Timothy 2:9, 10) Dressing “with modesty” means avoiding clothing that might draw attention to us by being showy, provocative, or revealing. Also, having “soundness of mind” helps us to choose attractive clothing that is not sloppy or extreme. These principles still leave room for a great variety of personal choices. Without our saying a word, our attractive and tasteful appearance can “adorn the teaching of our Savior” and “glorify God.” (Titus 2:10; 1 Peter 2:12) By dressing up for the meetings, we thus influence how others view the worship of Jehovah.

Do not let your clothing hold you back from attending the Kingdom Hall. Our clothes do not need to be expensive or fancy to be appropriate, clean, and presentable.

• How important is the way we dress when we worship God?

• What principles guide our choices in dress and grooming?

If you are studying the Bible with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you likely try to review the material in advance of each study. For the greatest benefit, it is good to do the same before attending a congregation meeting. The best results are achieved when we establish a good routine.

Determine when and where to study. When can you concentrate the best? Is it in the early morning before starting your day’s work or later in the evening after the children have gone to bed? Even if you cannot study for long periods, decide how much time you can set aside, and try not to let anything interfere. Seek out a quiet place, and remove all distractions by turning off the radio, television, and cell phone. Praying before you study will help to relieve the anxious cares of the day so that you can concentrate on God’s Word.​—Philippians 4:6, 7.

Mark the material, and prepare to participate. Begin by getting an overall idea of the subject. Think about the title of the article or chapter, consider how each subheading relates to that theme, and examine any pictures and the review questions that highlight the main points. Then read each paragraph, and look for the answer to the printed question. Look up and read the scriptures that are cited, and think of how they support the material. (Acts 17:11) When you can answer the question, underline or highlight a few key words or phrases in the paragraph that will bring the answer back to your mind. Then, at the meeting, you can raise your hand if you wish and make a brief comment in your own words.

By examining the different subjects that are discussed each week at the meetings, you will add new thoughts to your “treasure store” of Bible knowledge.​—Matthew 13:51, 52.

• What routine could you establish to prepare for the meetings?

• How can you prepare yourself to make a comment at the meeting?

Since ancient times, Jehovah has wanted each family to spend time together, fortifying their spirituality and strengthening their household. (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) That is why Jehovah’s Witnesses set aside a period each week for the family to worship together​—discussing, in a relaxed setting, spiritual matters that are tailored to their needs. Even if you live alone, such time can be well-spent with God on a Bible study project of your choosing.

It is a time to draw closer to Jehovah. “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (James 4:8) We get to know Jehovah better when we learn details about his personality and his actions through the pages of his written Word. An easy way to begin your family worship is to spend some of the time reading the Bible aloud together, perhaps following the weekly schedule for the Life and Ministry Meeting. A portion of the reading could be assigned to each family member, and then all can discuss what was learned from the Scriptures.

It is a time to draw closer to family members. Husbands and wives, as well as parents and children, strengthen their bonds with one another when they study the Bible as a family. It should be a happy, peaceful time and a highlight of the week. Depending on the ages of their children, parents can choose practical topics to discuss, perhaps using features from The Watchtower and Awake! or from our website, jw.org. You could talk about a problem that your children encountered at school and how to deal with it. Why not watch a program televised on JW Broadcasting (tv.jw.org) and discuss it together afterward? You may enjoy practicing the songs that will be sung at the meetings and having some refreshments after family worship.

This special time spent every week worshipping Jehovah together will help all in the family to find delight in God’s Word, and he will richly bless your efforts.​—Psalm 1:1-3.

• Why do we set aside time for family worship?

• How can parents make this occasion enjoyable for all in the family?