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w02 9/15 pp. 12-14 "Pay More Than the Usual Attention" ***Improving
Our Concentration at Meetings11
At times, paying attention at Christian meetings is a challenge. The mind can easily be distracted, perhaps by a crying infant or a latecomer looking for a seat. After a long day’s work, we may simply be tired. The one who is speaking from the platform might not be the most captivating speaker, and before we realize it, we are daydreaming—maybe even dozing! In view of the vital information being presented, we would do well to improve our powers of concentration at congregation meetings. But how can we do this?
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It is usually easier to pay attention at meetings if we are well prepared. So, then, why not set aside time to give some advance thought to the material that will be considered? It takes just a few minutes each day to read and meditate on a portion of the assigned chapters for the week’s Bible reading. With some planning, we can also find time to prepare for the Congregation Book Study and the Watchtower Study. Whatever schedule we choose, one thing is certain: Preparation will help us to pay attention to the material being considered at congregation meetings.
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In addition to being well prepared, some find that they are more attentive at meetings when they sit close to the front of the Kingdom Hall. Maintaining eye contact with the speaker, following along in the Bible when a scripture is read, and taking notes are other ways to keep our mind from wandering. However, having a prepared heart is far more important than any particular concentration technique. We need to appreciate the purpose of our gathering together. We meet with fellow believers primarily to worship Jehovah. (Psalm 26:12; Luke 2:36, 37) Meetings are an important way in which we are fed spiritually. (Matthew 24:45-47) Furthermore, they provide us with opportunities to ‘incite one another to love and fine works.’—Hebrews 10:24, 25.
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Some may tend to gauge the quality of a meeting by the teaching abilities of the participants. If the speakers are very capable, it may be called a good meeting. But if effective teaching seems to be lacking, we might take an opposite view. It is true that those on the program should do their utmost to employ the art of teaching and especially to reach hearts. (1 Timothy 4:16) Yet, we who are listening should not be unduly critical. Though the teaching ability of participants is important, it is not the sole factor contributing to a meeting’s success. Do you not agree that our prime concern should be, not how well the speaker delivers his talk, but how well we incline our ear? When we attend meetings and pay attention to what is being presented, we are worshiping God in harmony with his will. That is what makes the meeting a success. If we are eager to take in the knowledge of God, we will benefit from meetings, regardless of a speaker’s abilities. (Proverbs 2:1-5) By all means, then, let us be determined to "pay more than the usual attention" at our meetings.
