A Familiar Bible passage reads (Prov. 16:1), "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord." The promise and fulfillment, the preparation and response for every endeavor, are found in God, the source of all good. Man lives in God, and in His "presence is fulness of joy" (Ps. 16:11). Thus joy characterizes every right activity, including preparation for a Christian Science lecture.
All members of Churches of Christ, Scientist, are privileged to participate actively in joyful lecture preparation. As students of Christian Science, they know that man is the perfect image and likeness of God. Therefore each member's expression of joy is of value, for each one in reality reflects the qualities of Life, Truth, and Love in a unique, original way.
The word "joy" brings to thought many God-inspired qualities such as hope, vitality, zest, and buoyancy. Each member's gift of thoughtful prayer is important, because no one else can give it for him. Each individual contribution of enthusiasm, courage, and unselfed love rounds out the richness of lecture preparation.
