PRINCIPLE REASONS FOR THIS STUDY MEETING:
- When we study The Gospel According to Spiritism, we discover that it is easier to understand the true meaning of Life itself. Then we can begin to realise the need to adapt our lives accordingly.
- The practice of THE GOSPEL IN THE HOME each week creates a beneficial habit of evangelical study within the home. The ultimate purpose of these gatherings being to awaken and strengthen sentiments of fellowship within the family and amongst friends who may come to join us.
- Through these moments of peace and tranquillity each week, members of the family become more united as the Teachings of Jesus come to have more meaning in our everyday existence.
- By generating superior thoughts and sentiments within thehome, this offers the possibility of receiving regular spiritualcleansing for the ambient itself; thus permitting easy access for thepresence of God’s messengers throughout the week.
- In amplifying our knowledge of these Moral Teachings, in both every day and spiritual terms, it also gives us the possibility of passing this knowledge on to others, so they too can find more peace and tranquillity in their lives.
- Even when not all the members of a family participate in this simple meeting, the regular practice of THE GOSPEL IN THE HOME by at least one person raises the vibratory level of the whole home.
- It is also found that those who hold this special meeting eachweek are always constantly accompanied by their Guardian Angels.Therefore, whenever help is needed these helpers are always readilyat hand to protect and inspire us towards correct and beneficialaction and responses.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE REALISATION OF
THIS SIMPLE MEETING:
After careful thought, choose a day and time during the week when you, and as many members of the family as possible, can be present together. This day and time must be kept RIGOROUSLY every week, so as to assure constant elevated spiritual assistance during the meeting and throughout the week, from true spiritual Benefactors.
- Even if you live alone or other members of your family do not wish to participate you should hold this meeting by yourself.
- Having chosen a day and time when you are able to be alone, it is also very important not to be interrupted. So choose a location in your home where you may be left in peace for a minimum of 20 minutes.
- If there are friends or visitors present in your home at that time, they should be invited to participate. This Meeting should not be postponed because of unexpected guests or visitors.
- However, the purpose of the meeting should be explained to the visitors beforehand, so they may have the choice of attending or not.
- It is always suggested that friends may be invited to attend on a regular basis, till such time as they may wish to hold this study in their own homes.
- THE GOSPEL IN THE HOME study may take from 20–30 minutes approximately, according to the number of people present, but should not be longer than one hour.
- Begin the meeting with a simple sincere spontaneous prayer, said aloud, taking no more than two minutes. However, remember that real prayer is a matter of sentiment, not just mere words.
- Prayer should be given with uplifted thoughts towards Jesus and the good spiritual companions, requesting the presence of the spiritual Benefactors, asking for protection for the home, help to assimilate the study and also to maintain an atmosphere of peace and fellowship throughout the meeting.
- After this prayer, the meeting is then opened. This may be done by starting from the very beginning or working systematically through the book each week. At each meeting, only a small portion should be read out loud, perhaps just a paragraph. Then those present should comment or discuss the topic presented within the time allocation.
- Remember that comments or discussion must always be developed around the actual topic and not allowed to stray into other areas. This is a gentle study period so that we learn slowly but surely.
- Even if we are alone for this meeting, the prayer and comments should always be said out loud. This is because we are constantly accompanied by those on a spiritual level who can benefit from our readings and comments.
- Let us be sure that we always look for the essence of the topics, so that we can learn how to apply these Teachings in our daily lives.
- If there are those present who already have some knowledge of the Spiritist Teachings be sure they are given the opportunity to help everyone understand more clearly. It is also important to allow beginners the time and opportunity to ask questions and discuss. It is a moment each week to practice harmony and unity, not to show superiority one over another.
- Nevertheless, it is advisable for someone to assume the task of directing
this study, so to maintain the order and progress, but always with loving kindness and friendship. - Finally, the closing prayer should be said with simplicity, sincerity and uplifted thoughts. This prayer should include positive thoughts for our planet, for all the many countries, for human suffering especially in the most needy areas, for world peace and loving vibrations to envelop everything in nature and everyone. Remember also hospitals, nursing staff, doctors, etc., those who are sick, etc., etc.
- This closing prayer may take a little longer, perhaps from five to ten minutes. It should include a brief moment of elevated silence, having first called upon the Good Spirits to give Healing to all present. Love is the ever-powerful element, so let us also send our love upwards in gratitude and thanksgiving for the meeting and the cleansing and blessing of the home.
FURTHER SUGGESTIONS:
The utilisation of water
Before the meeting is begun, place a jug of water and glasses on the table. During the meeting, the spiritual Benefactors will bless the water, which should then be drunk at the close of the meeting. It is also a good idea to put several bottles of water nearby in the room, which will also receive a blessing. These can then be utilised during the week to allow a small dose of blessed water to be drunk daily by each member of the family.
Behaviour
It is strongly advised that care should be taken at all times during this study to avoid all disdainful or gross language. It is the time for seriousness, so as to build up strong renewing energies that can last out the week.
On holiday
When on holiday, if it is possible, keep the date and time for a short family prayer. If the condition is favourable for a Gospel Study Meeting even better.
REMINDERS & SUGGESTIONS ABOUT PRAYER:
In terms of prayer, words are as nothing if they are not uttered with sentiment from deep in your heart and profound love. Without this, your prayers can never reach up to the Heavens!
Therefore, your prayers should be offered up with real meaning and feeling to the Spiritual Benefactors or Good Spirits. Or perhaps you prefer tosend them up to God and Jesus.
Do not constantly ask for benefits, but first send your love out to help humankind, a particular person or organisation in need, a situation occurring or a tragic incident that has happened, etc. Then ask for help for your loved ones, your family or friends and lastly, ask for renewed strength and energies for yourself.
Remember that the Heavenly Powers know everything about our lives!
If and when we make the effort to be charitable our prayers will certainly be listened to and answered, in a way that will truly be of benefit to all concerned.
Suggestion for a Prayer:
Beloved Benefactors (Jesus), we thank you for everything we have received today, and so we send up our love in your direction to help all who are in need, be they sick, troubled, bereaved or unhappy.
Shed Your Light across our planet dear Lord, so as to cast aside all darkness and evil and bring spiritual progress to life here on Earth.
Bless our home and all our family members, those near and far, as well as bless and comfort our friends and help all of us to find greater enlightenment.
Guide us all as to the pathway we should walk in order to fulfil our commitments while on Earth, thus enabling us to achieve spiritual progress.
In thanks and immense gratitude, we send you all of our love.
Amen
A WORD OF WARNING:
As has been said already this is a family meeting for the purpose of studying the Spiritist Teachings regarding the purpose of Life. Therefore, under no circumstance should psychic faculties ever be allowed to manifest during this meeting!
If any member of the family has difficulty in controlling their psychic faculties, they should seek urgent help at a Spiritist Centre, where they will receive guidance, counselling and Healing
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* Source: THE BRITISH UNION OF SPIRITIST SOCIETIES – BUSS