for rules as to the length of public or private prayers—they can vary.

Sometimes special trials, problems or situations may make a long prayer appropriate, particularly so a private prayer. In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed considerably. And just before selecting the twelve apostles he “continued the whole night in prayer.”—Luke 6:12; 22:41-45.

On the other hand, the Bible abounds with fine prayers that were extremely brief, just dealing with the matter at hand. (Neh. 2:4; 1 Ki. 18:36, 37; 2 Ki. 6:17, 18; John 11:41, 42; Acts 1:24, 25) While other matters might have been included in the above cases, would they have been appropriate at the moment? Apparently those praying did not think so. And we recall the brevity of the model prayer Jesus provided.—Matt. 6:9-15.

Evidently the circumstances have to be taken into consideration. Though Jesus knew that it was not amiss to pray all night, did he pray at extreme length prior to feeding the four thousand? The Bible says: “He took the seven loaves, gave thanks, broke them, and began to give them to his disciples to serve.” (Mark 8:6) Similarly today at congregation meetings, the circumstances should be considered. For instance, at the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal four separate prayers are said. If these were all of great length, the orderly arrangement for the use of the hall and the very discourse itself might needlessly be disrupted. Balance and good judgment need to be used.

In the final analysis, though, the significant point we should learn from Jesus’ comments about the prayers of the religious leaders is the importance of proper motive and thought. A Christian who is praying should be sure that he is not extending his prayer so that the hearers will think him more “spiritual.” Nor should he use flowery speech in order to impress others. Prayer to our loving heavenly Father is a marvelous privilege, one we should take advantage of regularly and with sincerity and humility. (Luke 18:13, 14) If we view it in this light, then the length and subject of our prayers, public or private, can fit the occasion and need.

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What did Jesus really teach? What is the meaning of his words to his disciples? What instruction did his apostles pass on to the rest of the early Christian congregation? These are vital questions. There is only one sure place to find the correct answers—in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Do you read your Bible daily? Read it with the same force and understanding with which the disciples read it. How? By reading it in the same language you speak every day. Read the modern-English version New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. A complete Bible, 1,472 pages, with appendix. Only $1. Send today and receive free the timely booklet When God Is King over All the Earth.

FIELD MINISTRY

Farmers know that to get a bumper crop of good grain it is necessary to sow good seed. This is true in everything we do, is it not? We reap what we sow. The Bible says: “He who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh.” The converse is also true: “He who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.” (Gal. 6:8) To know how to sow with a view to the spirit and to reap spiritually, it is necessary to know what God’s Word says and to apply its principles. Jehovah’s witnesses are interested in providing people with a Bible, as well as an understanding of it. Hence during their house-to-house ministry in June, they will be offering a copy of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, for $1; or they may combine the Bible and a copy of the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, for $1.25.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

June 15: Be a Good Listener! Page 332. Songs to Be Used: 13, 19.

June 22: Fight Indifference with Endurance! Page 338. Songs to Be Used: 24, 26.