In the 17th century in England, George Fox underwent a profound religious experience that he described as a voice answering his need. Immediate, direct experience of God became the heart of his message and ministry, and the beginning of the Quaker movement.
Our form of worship reflects the Quaker belief that direct experience of God is possible for everyone, without any ritual or intermediary. It reflects the trust that all who take part will strive sincerely, both in their silent worship and in the spoken ministry, to seek that inward communion.
Quaker Meeting for Worship is a communal practice in addition to a private worship. We gather in the expectation that as we quiet our minds and open our hearts to the Inward Light, we will be gathered together in the Spirit. The worshipful condition of others in the room is an aid to everyone. In Meeting for Worship, we seek to allow the busy activity of our minds to become still.
By grace, we may open to the spacious reality of a Divine Presence; some may call this the Light of Christ or the Love of God. Perhaps this Inward Light will illuminate something we need to see more clearly, within ourselves or the world.
In the silence, each person is ministered to according to his or her innermost needs. Often specific guidance or messages are received inwardly. When we feel an urge or prompting to deliver a message to those gathered in the Meeting, this is an opportunity to practice discernment: to reflect upon whether the message comes only from our own thoughts and enthusiasms, or whether it is divinely inspired. If we have a clear sense that it is inspired, we ask: is this message meant only for me, or am I being prompted by the Spirit to speak it to others aloud? If so, we speak clearly and share faithfully what has been given. We offer vocal ministry only once during Meeting.
Vocal ministry is not meant to be a conversation with one another, but a form of communion with God through the Spirit-led words of those present.