Worship in Expectant Silence
Meetings for Worship recognize the Friends’ tradition that direct spiritual experience is possible for everyone, without any intermediary. Meetings begin whenever the first person enters the meeting room, settling into quiet before the appointed time. As others come into the silence, the experience takes on its own sense of gathering.
Even the descriptions of that silence from early Friends speak of this experience:
“Stand still in that power which brings peace.”
George Fox, 1652
“As our worship consisted not in words so neither in silences as silence,
but in a holy dependence silence necessarily follows in the first place
until words can be brought forth which are from God’s spirit.”
—Robert Barclay, 1678 (Faith and Practice, #40)
“Look not out, but within: … Remember it is a still voice
that speaks to us in this day, and that it is not to be heard
in the noises and hurries of the mind; but is
distinctly understood in a retired frame.”
—William Penn, A Brief Account of the Rise and Progress of Quakers, 1694
Anyone can speak to deepen the silence. If strongly moved by a message, a person will stand and speak simply, briefly, and clearly (this meeting uses microphones), sharing faithfully what has been given, without addition or explanation. The expression can take a variety of forms, from simple observation to song verse—and yet is unscripted and unrehearsed.
Listening into the silence of a community gathering may bring a sense of movement of Spirit. A message is never a reply or judgment to what someone else has shared, but may (or may not) reflect upon an earlier message. Individuals who offer vocal ministry during worship do so only once.
Spirit-led insights that arise from the heart give each of us an opportunity to practice discernment: If we have a clear sense that it is Spirit-led, we also consider how urgently we are compelled to present it to the whole meeting.
• Is speaking it more a personal insight?
• Is it something that needs more time to gel?
• Finally, can a message be spoken into the silence while adding to—and not disturbing—the worship of those who are deeply centered?
If persistent, let it be heard. Listening respectfully to each vocal expression is followed by a silence as all re-center.
Not every message will be meant for others or understood by everyone. Sometimes the meaning is something we can take with us for later contemplation. Some meetings remain silent and still for the entire hour.
Occasionally, if time permits, afterthoughts or worship sharing is invited upon rise of meeting. Tradition holds that Friends extend their experiences beyond worship in conversations, journaling, and other activities and daily practices.
• #366, Invitation to a Deeper Communion (Marcelle Martin)
• #388, Expectant Listening: Finding God’s Thread of Guidance (Michael Wajda)
We of Gwynedd Friends Meeting invite you to worship with us (brochure)