Cover picture: King Solomon checking on the progress of the temple project

• Song 138 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Barzillai​—An Example of Modesty”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 19:24-30​—How can we draw strength from Mephibosheth’s example? (w20.04 30 ¶19)

  • 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.) 2Sa 19:31-43 (th study 2)

• Initial Call Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video God’s Purpose​—Ge 1:28. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic.a Respond to a common objection. (th study 1)

• Talk: (5 min.) w21.08 23-25 ¶15-19​—Theme: What Realistic Goals Can We Set When Circumstances Limit Us? (th study 20)

• Song 81

• “Set Goals for the New Service Year​—Pioneering”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Be a Courageous . . . Pioneer.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 11

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 97 and Prayer

Barzillai was offered a privilege by King David (2Sa 19:32, 33; w07 7/15 14 ¶5)

Modesty moved Barzillai to decline the offer respectfully (2Sa 19:34, 35; w07 7/15 14 ¶7)

Be modest like Barzillai (w07 7/15 15 ¶1-2)

Modesty makes us aware of our limitations. We must be modest in order to please Jehovah. (Mic 6:8) How do we benefit when we display this quality?

We direct our energies wisely when we aim for spiritual goals. (1Co 9:26) Goals help us to make the best use of the time remaining before the end of this system. (Eph 5:15, 16) During your family worship, why not set goals for the coming service year? To assist you, this issue of the meeting workbook contains articles on several possible goals for you to consider prayerfully.​—Jas 1:5.

For example, with the cooperation of everyone in the family, could at least one person become a regular pioneer? If you are unsure of your ability to meet the hour requirement, speak to some pioneers who have circumstances similar to yours. (Pr 15:22) Perhaps, you can even interview a pioneer during your family worship. Then write out possible schedules. If you pioneered in the past, consider whether your circumstances will permit you to do so now.

Could some in your family auxiliary pioneer one or more months? If you have limited energy, you may be able to auxiliary pioneer by spending a little time each day in the ministry. If you have limited time to go in service midweek because you work full-time or are in school, perhaps you can choose a month that has a holiday or five weekends. On a calendar, note when you plan to auxiliary pioneer and write out a schedule.​—Pr 21:5.

WATCH THE VIDEO BE A COURAGEOUS . . . PIONEER, AND THEN ANSWER THIS QUESTION:

• What does Sister Aamand’s experience teach us about Jehovah’s loving care of those who make sacrifices to pioneer?

• Song 62 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Jehovah Is a God of Justice”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 21:15-17​—What lessons can we draw from this account? (w13 1/15 31 ¶14)

  • 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.) 2Sa 20:1-13 (th study 2)

• Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video Return Visit: God’s Purpose​—Isa 55:11. Stop the video at each pause, and ask the audience the questions that appear in the video.

• Return Visit: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Explain our Bible study program, and give the person a Bible course contact card. (th study 4)

• Return Visit: (5 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 11)

• Song 58

• “Set Goals for the New Service Year​—Move to Where the Need Is Greater”: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Enter the Door to Activity in Faith​—Move to Where the Need Is Greater.

• “How to Use Sample Conversations”: (5 min.) Talk by the Life and Ministry Meeting overseer.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 12

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 3 and Prayer

Jehovah did not forget the injustice committed against the Gibeonites (2Sa 21:1, 2)

Silver and gold could not atone for the bloodguilt of Saul and his household (Nu 35:31, 33; 2Sa 21:3, 4)

Seven of Saul’s descendants were executed to satisfy justice (2Sa 21:5, 6; it-1 932 ¶1)

How can Romans 12:19-21 help us when we are victims of unjust treatment?

Faith is needed to move from familiar surroundings to a new location in order to expand your ministry. (Heb 11:8-10) If you are considering the goal of moving to where the need is greater, talk to your elders. What practical steps can you take to calculate the cost and choose a location? Consider published material about serving where the need is greater. Talk to those who have successfully moved to assist another congregation. (Pr 15:22) Seek Jehovah’s direction through prayer. (Jas 1:5) Research any area you are considering, and if possible, visit the location for more than a few days before deciding.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION ENTER THE DOOR TO ACTIVITY IN FAITH​—MOVE TO WHERE THE NEED IS GREATER, AND THEN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:

• What obstacles did Gabriel have to overcome, and what helped him?

Much thought goes into the sample conversations, and many publishers have found them to be effective in their territory. However, since circumstances vary around the world, publishers are free to use in their ministry a different approach or discuss a different topic that will appeal to people locally. Of course, all should follow any instructions for a special campaign. Our goal is to fulfill Jesus’ commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom.​—Mt 24:14.

When caring for student assignments, publishers should discuss the topic of the sample conversation in the Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook. However, unless indicated otherwise, they are free to choose a different question, scripture, link, or setting that will be effective in the local territory. This adjusts the direction that appeared on page 8 of the June 2020 issue of the meeting workbook.

• Song 4 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Rely On Jehovah for Help”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 22:36​—How did Jehovah’s humility make David great? (w12 11/15 17 ¶7)

  • 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.) 2Sa 22:33-51 (th study 10)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 1)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Bible Study? (th study 3)

• Talk: (5 min.) w06 8/15 21 ¶7-8​—Theme: Does Satan Personally Cause Every Tragedy? (th study 13)

• Song 12

• Rejoice in Jehovah’s Acts of Salvation: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: How did Jehovah come to the aid of Brother Ganeshalingam’s family during the civil war in Sri Lanka? How does this experience strengthen your faith?

• Local Needs: (10 min.)

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff section 1 review

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 60 and Prayer

Jehovah hears our cries for help (2Sa 22:7)

Jehovah is stronger than any enemy (2Sa 22:14-18; cl 19 ¶11)

Jehovah loyally acts in our behalf (2Sa 22:26; w10 6/1 26 ¶4-6)

Jehovah has the ability to remove our trials. However, in most cases, he helps us to cope with them by means of his holy spirit, his Word, and our Christian brotherhood. (Ps 55:22) In what ways can we avail ourselves of God’s help?

• Song 76 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Is Your Giving a Sacrifice?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 2Sa 23:15-17​—Why did David refuse to drink the water? (w05 5/15 19 ¶6)

  • 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.) 2Sa 23:1-12 (th study 11)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Start a conversation, using the back cover of the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. Make arrangements to return and to answer the title question from lesson 01. (th study 9)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Visit someone who accepted the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 3)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 05 summary, review, and goal (th study 19)

• Song 17

• Sacrifice With a Willing Attitude (Ps 54:6): (9 min.) Play the video.

• Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Making Sacrifices: (6 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask selected young children, if available: What sacrifice did Sophia and Caleb make? How did Jesus’ example help Caleb? What sacrifices have you made for Jehovah and others?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 13 and endnote 1

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 32 and Prayer

David was instructed to set up an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah (2Sa 24:18)

Araunah graciously offered to donate the land and sacrificial animals (2Sa 24:21-23)

David would not offer sacrifices that cost him nothing (2Sa 24:24, 25; it-1 146)

Jehovah is pleased when we willingly sacrifice our time, energy, and resources in order to promote Kingdom interests. (w12 1/15 18 ¶8) What goals could you set to increase your “sacrifice of praise” to him?​—Heb 13:15.

• Song 98 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Do You Learn From Your Mistakes?”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 2:37, 41-46​—What lesson can we learn from the mistake of Shimei? (w05 7/1 30 ¶1)

  • 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.) 1Ki 1:28-40 (th study 2)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation topic. Leave a jw.org contact card. (th study 11)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Then introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? and invite the person to our meetings. (th study 20)

• Talk: (5 min.) km 1/15 2 ¶1-3​—Theme: Learn From Those Who Are Effective in the Ministry. (th study 13)

• Song 84

• “Set Goals for the New Service Year​—Apply for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers”: (7 min.) Discussion. Play the video Enter the Door to Activity in Faith​—Apply for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers.

• “Set Goals for the New Service Year​—Assist With Theocratic Building Projects”: (8 min.) Discussion. Play the video Enter the Door to Activity in Faith​—Assist With a Theocratic Building Project.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 14

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 24 and Prayer

[Play the video Introduction to 1 Kings.]

Adonijah was shown mercy after ambitiously scheming to become king (1Ki 1:5, 52, 53; it-2 987 ¶4)

Adonijah did not learn from his mistake and suffered the consequences (1Ki 2:15-17, 22, 23; it-1 49)

A wise person will learn from his mistakes. Even better, he will learn from the mistakes of others.​—1Co 10:11.

You do not need special circumstances in life in order to pursue the goal of attending the School for Kingdom Evangelizers (SKE). The most important qualifications are spirituality and a willingness to accept any assignment from Jehovah’s organization.​—Isa 6:8.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION ENTER THE DOOR TO ACTIVITY IN FAITH​—APPLY FOR THE SCHOOL FOR KINGDOM EVANGELIZERS, AND THEN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:

• 

  Why did Gabriel feel conflicted, and how did he benefit from meditating on Philippians 4:13?

The construction of theocratic facilities is a form of sacred service. (Ex 36:1) Could you periodically support projects close to home by filling out a Local Design/​Construction Volunteer Application (DC-50)? Or could you make yourself available to support more distant projects for several weeks or months by filling out an Application for Volunteer Program (A-19)? Construction experience is not a requirement to volunteer.​—Ne 2:1, 4, 5.

WATCH THE VIDEO DRAMATIZATION ENTER THE DOOR TO ACTIVITY IN FAITH​—ASSIST WITH A THEOCRATIC BUILDING PROJECT, AND THEN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:

• 

  What anxieties did Sarah have, and what helped her?

• Song 88 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “The Value of Wisdom”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 4:20​—What is significant about the expression “as numerous as the grains of sand by the sea”? (w98 2/1 11 ¶15)

  • 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.) 1Ki 3:1-14 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Explain our Bible study program, and give the person a Bible course contact card. (th study 1)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Bible Study? (th study 3)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 06 point 4 (th study 12)

• Song 127

• Local Needs: (10 min.)

• Set Goals for the New Service Year​—Give Generously: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video dramatization Enter the Door to Activity in Faith​—“Set Something Aside” for Jehovah’s Work. Then ask the audience, In what ways did this couple give generously?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 15 and endnote 2

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 14 and Prayer

Solomon asked Jehovah for wisdom (1Ki 3:7-9; w11 12/15 8 ¶4-6)

Solomon’s request pleased Jehovah (1Ki 3:10-13)

Because Solomon valued godly wisdom, the nation lived in security (1Ki 4:25)

A wise person combines knowledge with understanding and puts them to work in a practical way. Wisdom is more valuable than gold. (Pr 16:16) We can acquire wisdom by asking God for it, fearing him, being humble and modest, and digging into his Word.

• Song 122 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Built With Their Hands and Their Hearts”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 6:1​—What does this verse illustrate about the Bible? (g 5/12 17, box)

  • 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.) 1Ki 5:1-12 (th study 12)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Start a conversation using the back cover of the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. Make arrangements to return and answer the title question of lesson 01. (th study 11)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Visit someone who accepted the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 2)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 06 point 5 (th study 9)

• Song 91

• Seeing Jehovah’s Hand When Building Kingdom Halls: (15 min.) Play the video. Then ask the audience: What experiences gave evidence of Jehovah’s blessing on Kingdom Hall construction projects in Micronesia? What part does holy spirit play in theocratic construction projects? How have you seen Jehovah’s blessing on theocratic construction projects that you have participated in?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 16

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 20 and Prayer

Solomon used the best building materials for the temple (1Ki 5:6, 17; w11 2/1 15)

Many shared in the work (1Ki 5:13-16; it-1 424; it-2 1077 ¶1)

Solomon and the people worked hard for seven years to complete the project (1Ki 6:38; see cover picture)

Solomon and the people were able to build a beautiful temple to Jehovah’s praise because their hearts were in the work. Sadly, enthusiasm for Jehovah’s worship faded with future generations. They allowed the temple to fall into disrepair, and eventually it was destroyed.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How am I maintaining my enthusiasm for Jehovah’s worship?’

• Song 7 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “What We Can Learn From Two Pillars”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 7:23​—What lesson can we learn from the large “Sea of cast metal” that was constructed for the temple? (it-1 263)

  • 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.) 1Ki 7:1-12 (th study 5)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Use the sample conversation topic. Respond to a common objection. (th study 6)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and demonstrate a Bible study. (th study 3)

• Bible Study: (5 min.) lff lesson 06 point 6 and Some People Say (th study 8)

• Song 72

• Local Needs: (5 min.)

• “Special Campaign to Start Bible Studies in September”: (10 min.) Discussion by the service overseer. Play the video Initial Call: Bible Study​—Ps 37:29. Outline local arrangements for the campaign.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 17

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 13 and Prayer

Two conspicuous pillars were built for the porch of the temple (1Ki 7:15, 16; w13 12/1 13 ¶3)

The pillars were given meaningful names (1Ki 7:21; it-1 348)

Jehovah would help the people “firmly establish” the temple as long as they relied on him (1Ki 7:21, ftn.; Ps 127:1)

Jehovah may have helped us to overcome many obstacles in order to come into the truth. But we must continue to rely on him in order to “stand firm in the faith.”​—1Co 16:13.

ASK YOURSELF, ‘How am I demonstrating my reliance on Jehovah?’

During September, we will make a concerted effort to offer Bible studies to every household, using the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. Publishers may choose to auxiliary pioneer with a 30-hour requirement. How will we carry out this special campaign?

• On the Initial Call: Use the back cover of the brochure to generate interest, and try to demonstrate a study. Keep in mind those who previously showed interest, including return visits. Even if they declined to study in the past, they may be interested in our new study method and brochure. Brochures should not be left at not-at-homes or enclosed in letters to those who have not previously expressed interest. The Congregation Service Committee may arrange additional meetings for service during the month.

• Other Opportunities: If your congregation uses literature carts, display the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure. Inform those who express interest that the brochure comes with a free Bible course. Demonstrate the study briefly on the spot, or arrange to do so later. The service overseer may arrange for qualified publishers to go to businesses in the territory and offer Bible studies. You might also offer a Bible study to workmates or to people you meet while witnessing informally.

Jesus commanded us to “make disciples,” “teaching them.” (Mt 28:19, 20) May this special campaign help us to accomplish this objective, using Enjoy Life Forever!

• Song 41 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (1 min.)

• “Solomon’s Humble, Heartfelt Public Prayer”: (10 min.)

• Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • 1Ki 8:27​—What does Solomon’s statement not mean? (it-1 1060 ¶4)

  • 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.) 1Ki 8:31-43 (th study 12)

• Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 1)

• Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation topic. Then offer the Enjoy Life Forever! brochure, and introduce (but do not play) the video What Happens at a Bible Study? (th study 15)

• Talk: (5 min.) km 5/10 2​—Theme: Christian Ministers Need to Pray. (th study 14)

• Song 44

• “Do You Look for the Answers to Your Prayers?”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Jehovah Is the “Hearer of Prayer.”

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) lff lesson 18 points 1-5

• Concluding Comments (3 min.)

• Song 107 and Prayer

At the temple inauguration, Solomon offered a heartfelt prayer in front of the people (1Ki 8:22; w09 11/15 9 ¶9-10)

Solomon praised Jehovah and did not draw attention to himself (1Ki 8:23, 24)

Solomon prayed with a humble spirit (1Ki 8:27; w99 1/15 17 ¶7-8)

Solomon provides a good example, especially for those who pray publicly. We should focus more on how we sound to Jehovah than on how we sound to people.

The Bible is filled with examples of prayers that were answered by Jehovah. When God’s servants saw how Jehovah listened to their individual concerns and helped them, their faith was undoubtedly strengthened. Therefore, it is good for us to be specific in our personal prayers and then to try to discern Jehovah’s answer. Keep in mind that his answer may be different from or more than what we requested. (2Co 12:7-9; Eph 3:20) What may Jehovah provide in answer to our requests?

• Physical, emotional, or spiritual strength to deal with a problem.​—Php 4:13

• Wisdom to make a good decision.​—Jas 1:5

• Desire and power to act.​—Php 2:13

• Calmness when we are anxious.​—Php 4:6, 7

• Physical or emotional support from others.​—1Jo 3:17, 18

• Help for those we pray for.​—Ac 12:5, 11

WATCH THE VIDEO JEHOVAH IS THE “HEARER OF PRAYER,” AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How can Brother Shimizu’s experience encourage us if we are limited because of health problems?

• How can we imitate Brother Shimizu’s example?

Initial Call

Question: What is God’s purpose for humans?

Scripture: Ge 1:28

Link: How do we know that God will accomplish his purpose for humans?

Return Visit

Question: How do we know that God will accomplish his purpose for humans?

Scripture: Isa 55:11

Link: What will life be like when God fulfills his purpose?