DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday, December 28, 2023, Not a single word has yet reached my tongue, but it turns out that you, O Jehovah, already know it well (Ps. 139:4).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Thursday December 28

Not a single word has yet reached my tongue, but you, O Jehovah, already know it well (Ps. 139:4).

In addition to praying, another thing we can do to strengthen our friendship with Jehovah is to study his Word and attend congregation meetings. Is there anything we can do to make the most of our study sessions and meetings? Let's ask ourselves: “What tends to distract me in those moments?” Can it be calls, emails or text messages on the phone or some other device? If we are studying or in a congregation meeting and notice that our minds wander, let us ask Jehovah to help us concentrate. It may not be easy for us to put our worries aside and focus on spiritual things, but it is very important that we do so. Let us pray that Jehovah will give us peace that not only protects our hearts but also our minds. (Philipp. 4:6, 7) w22.01 29, 30 paras. 12-14.

Why is it so important to pray, study and meditate?

Let us remember that praying, studying and meditating are part of our worship. When we pray, we are talking to our heavenly Father, who loves us so much (Ps. 5:7). When we study the Bible, we are gaining “the knowledge of God,” the wisest person in the universe (Prov. 2:1-5). And, when we meditate, we are reflecting on the beautiful qualities of Jehovah, as well as his wonderful purpose for us and for all humanity. Could there be a better way to spend time? Of course, the time we have is limited. Therefore, what will help us make good use of it?

What good example did Jesus give us when he went into the desert?

If possible, let's find a quiet place. Let's think about how Jesus did it. When he began his ministry on Earth, he spent 40 days in the wilderness (Luke 4:1, 2). There he was able to pray and meditate on his Father's will for him. Without a doubt, this prepared him for the trials he would soon face. What do we learn from his example? If our family is large, it may sometimes be difficult for us to find enough peace inside our house. If that's our case, can we try going outside? That's what Julie does when she wants to spend time with Jehovah praying to him. She lives with her husband in a small apartment in France, so it is not easy for her to be alone and without interruptions. She says: “Every day I go to the park for a walk. There I can be alone, concentrate and talk comfortably with Jehovah.”

Although Jesus was a very busy person, how did he show that he valued his friendship with Jehovah?

Jesus was a very busy person. Wherever he went, he was always surrounded by people who asked him to give them time and attention. The Bible says that, on one occasion, “the whole city was gathered at the door” of a house to see him. Even so, he made sure to take time to care for his friendship with Jehovah. Before dawn, he went to a solitary place to spend time with his Father (Mark 1:32-35).

According to Matthew 26:40, 41, what timely advice did Jesus give to his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, but what happened?

On the last night of his life on Earth, when his ministry was ending, Jesus again sought a quiet place where he could pray and meditate: the garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36). There he gave his disciples very timely advice about prayer.

Let's see what happened. When they arrived at the Garden of Gethsemane, it may have already been past midnight, so it was already very late. Jesus told the apostles to stay awake and then went to pray (Matt. 26:37-39). When he returned, he found them asleep. So he again told them, “Keep awake and pray constantly” (read Matthew 26:40, 41). He knew they had been under a lot of stress and were very tired. That is why he had compassion on them and said that “the flesh is weak.” Despite everything, he twice more went to pray and, when he returned, he found that they were not praying, but sleeping (Matt. 26: 42-45).

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