For meetings in the unprogrammed Quaker tradition, worship is a time of gathering together in silent waiting, with an expectation of hearing the “still, small voice of God”. It is possible for the entire hour to pass in deeply spiritual silent worship or it may happen that a Friend will feel called to share a message arising out of the prompting of the Spirit. After discerning if the message is a genuine ministry, he or she will stand, speak plainly and briefly, and then sit down to return, with the rest of the meeting, to silence. After time for reflection, another message may be inspired by the previous words or another message entirely may follow, or the deep spiritual silence may continue unbroken until the hour closes with the person appointed to have care for the meeting shaking the hand of a person close by.
from A Quaker Cupboard
April 21, 2022
photo from Central England Quakers
