July 29–August 4

PSALM 69

July 29–August 4

Song 13 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

1. How Events in Jesus’ Life Were Foretold in Psalm 69

(10 min.)

Jesus was hated without cause (Ps 69:4; Joh 15:24, 25; w11 8/15 1:17)

Jesus was zealous for Jehovah’s house (Ps 69:9; Joh 2:13-17; w10 12/15 1:7-8)

Jesus experienced emotional agony and was offered wine mixed with gall (Ps 69:20, 21; Mt 27:34; Lu 22:44; Joh 19:34; g95 10/22 31 ¶4; w11 8/15 2:15)


FOR MEDITATION: Why did Jehovah include Messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures?

2. Spiritual Gems

(10 min.)

  • Ps 69:30, 31​—How can these verses help us to improve the quality of our prayers? (w13 11/15 1:15)

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

3. Bible Reading

(4 min.) Ps 69:0-13 (th study 2)

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

4. Patience​—What Jesus Did

(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd 8:1-2.

5. Patience​—Imitate Jesus

(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd 8:3-5 and “See Also.”

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

Song 134

6. Local Needs

(5 min.)

7. Principles for Family Worship Evening

(10 min.) Discussion.

In January 2009, the Congregation Book Study was merged with the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting into one midweek meeting. This gave families an evening each week to have a personalized program of family worship. Many have expressed appreciation for this arrangement that was made to help them draw closer to Jehovah and to one another.​—De 6:6, 7.

What are some principles that can help family heads make their Family Worship evening a success?

  • Keep it regular. If possible, have a set time for family worship each week. Have an alternate day for when the schedule is disrupted

  • Prepare. Consult with your wife, and occasionally ask your children for suggestions. Preparation does not need to be extensive, especially if the family enjoys doing some of the same types of activities every week

  • Tailor the program to your family. As children get older, their needs and abilities change. Your program should help each member of the family to grow spiritually

  • Maintain a loving, relaxed atmosphere. At times, consider studying outdoors when the weather is favorable. Feel free to take needed breaks. While attention should be given to address specific challenges in the family, do not use family worship to scold or discipline

  • Have some variety. For example, your session might include preparing a portion of an upcoming meeting, watching and discussing a video from jw.org, and having practice sessions for the ministry. Although discussions should be the centerpiece of Family Worship evening, time could also be included for family members to engage in personal study

Discuss this question:

  • How have you tried to apply these principles in your family worship?

8. Congregation Bible Study

(30 min.) bt 13:8-16, Box 2

Concluding Comments (3 min.) | Song 114 and Prayer