meeting for worship
The
heart of the Religious Society of Friends is the Meeting for
Worship. In direct communion with God, we offer ourselves for
God’s will. Our daily lives are linked with the Meeting for Worship,
the Meeting for Worship with our daily lives.
Come
regularly to Meeting for Worship, even when you are angry, tired,
or spiritually cold. Bring your joys and your hurts,
and
the needs of other people. Accept and support each other in the
community where God dwells among us. As you do so, you may
find the grace of prayer.
At
times the Spirit may prompt you to speak in Meeting. Wait patiently
to know that the sense and the time are right. When you
are sure, have confidence that the words will be given to you. Listen
to the ministry of others with an open spirit. If it is not God’s
word
for you, it may be for others. After a message has been given, allow
time to ponder its meaning and to let the Meeting return to silent
worship. In speech and in silence, each person contributes to
the Meeting.
Do I come to
Meeting with heart and mind prepared for worship?
In both silent
and vocal ministry, do I respond to the leadings of the Holy Spirit,
without pre-arrangement and
in simplicity and truth?
Am I careful
not to speak at undue length or beyond personal spiritual experience?
Do we meet
in expectant waiting for the promptings of the Divine Spirit?
Are we drawn
together in a living silence by the power of God in our midst?