The Quaker apologist Robert Barclay wrote, “Our worship consists neither in words nor in silence in such, but in a holy dependence of the mind upon God. For such dependence, it is necessary to begin with silence until the words can be brought forth which arise from God’s Spirit.” It is in this context, that the following scriptural descriptions of worship, and specifically of the gift of prophesy during worship, are invoked by Friends.
Be still, and know that I am God. Ps 46:10
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. Is 40:31
God has chosen to make known . . . the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:27
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. Jn 15:4
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Mt 18:20
His sheep follow him because they know his voice. Jn 10:3-4
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Mt 3:11
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Ro 8:26
Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. He 12:28-29
God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth. Jn 4:24
I will pour out my Holy Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Ac 2:17
Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 1 Cor 14:1
What, then, brethren? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation . . . Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Cor 14:26, 29-33
Whoever speaks, let him do it as one who utters oracles of God. . . 1 Pe 4:11.
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Cor 2:3-5
Caprock Friends Christian Fellowship
Conservative Quakers in Lubbock, Texas
Showing posts with label silent worship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label silent worship. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2009
Waiting Worship: Descriptions by Friends
The following extracts from Friends' writings may help a newcomer better understand unprogrammed, waiting worship.
Our worship consists neither in words nor in silence as such, but in a holy dependence of the mind upon God. For such dependence, it is necessary to begin with silence until the words can be brought forth that arise from God's Spirit. Robert Barclay (1678)
When assembled, it should be the common task of one and all to wait upon God. It should be a time of turning away from one's own thoughts and for suspending the imagination in order to feel the Presence of the Lord in the midst and to know a true gathering in his name and according to his promise. Then, when everyone is thus gathered, and all meet together inwardly in their spirits, as well as outwardly in their persons, the secret power and virtue of life are known to refresh the soul. It is there that the pure motions and breathings of God's Spirit are felt to arise. Robert Barclay (1678)
As words of declarations, prayers, or praises arise from these promptings of the Spirit, the acceptable worship is known which edifies the church and is pleasing to God. No one limits the Spirit of God in such worship or brings forth his own laboriously assembled ideas. But everyone will state whatever the Lord has placed in his heart. And it will not be uttered from man's own will or wisdom, but in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Robert Barclay (1678)
And when God sees meet to put a Word into the mouth of any one of them, he is to speak what the Lord hath revealed and taught him (I Cor 2:4). So is he to give it forth in demonstration and power, and in the virtue and life of the Spirit, that it may be to edification in the church; for deep calls unto deep, and life reaches unto life, and the congregation go together to the waters to drink freely (Ps 42:7). And if anything be revealed to one that sits by, when the first is silent, that stream of the spiritual gift is turned to the other, because that spiritual liberty is in the true church, for every one to speak as they are moved by the Holy Spirit. Ellis Pugh (circa 1700)
In this humanistic age we suppose man is the initiator and God is the responder. But the living Christ within us is the initiator and we are the responders. God the Lover, the accuser, the revealer of light and darkness presses within us. 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' And all our apparent initiative is already a response, a testimonial to His secret presence and working within us. The basic response of the soul to the Light is internal adoration and joy, thanksgiving and worship, self-surrender and listening. Thomas R Kelly (1941)
I know of no other way, in these deeper depths, of trusting in the name of the Lord, and staying upon God, than sinking into silence and nothingness before Him . . . . So long as the enemy can keep us reasoning he can buffet us to and fro; but into the true solemn silence of the soul before God he cannot follow us. John Bellows (1895)
Friends, meet together and know one another in that which is eternal, which was before the world was. George Fox (1657)
Friends have never regarded [worship] as an individual activity. People who regard Friends' meetings as opportunities for meditation have failed to appreciate this corporate aspect. The waiting and listening are activities in which everybody is engaged and produce spoken ministry which helps to articulate the common guidance which the Holy Spirit is believed to give the group as a whole. So the waiting and listening is corporate also. This is why Friends emphasize the 'ministry of silence' and the importance of coming to meeting regularly and with heart and mind prepared. John Punshon (1987)
What is the ground and foundation of the gathered meeting? In the last analysis, it is, I am convinced, the Real Presence of God. Thomas R Kelly (1940)
The first that enters into the place of your meeting . . . turn in thy mind to the light, and wait upon God singly, as if none were present but the Lord; and here thou art strong. Then the next that comes in, let them in simplicity of heart sit down and turn in to the same light, and wait in the spirit; and so all the rest coming in, in the fear of the Lord, sit down in pure stillness and silence of all flesh, and wait in the light . . . . Those who are brought to a pure still waiting upon God in the spirit, are come nearer to the Lord than words are; for God is a spirit, and in the spirit is he worshipped. . . In such a meeting there will be an unwillingness to part asunder, being ready to say in yourselves, it is good to be here: and this is the end of all words and writings to bring people to the eternal living Word. Alexander Parker (1660)
'Where two or three', says our Lord, 'are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them' (Mt 18:20). In these words he . . . invites us not only to meet one with another but, in so doing, with himself also. . . Shall the poor perishing gratifications of sense and self-love, or any inconveniences of a trivial nature, be suffered to prevent our dutiful attendance upon him, in whom alone stands our everlasting interest? Shall a cloudy sky, a little wet, a little cold, a little ease to the flesh, a view to a little earthly gain, or any common incident, furnish an excuse for declining this duty, and thereby depriving ourselves of the blessed advantage, often vouchsafed to the faithful, of enjoying heavenly communion together in spirit with the Lord of life and glory? Yearly Meeting in London (1765)
I went to meetings in an awful frame of mind, and endeavored to be inwardly acquainted with the language of the true Shepherd. And one day, being under a strong exercise of spirit, I stood up, and said some words in a meeting, but not keeping close to the divine opening, I said more than was required of me and being soon sensible to my error, I was afflicted in mind some weeks, without any light or comfort, even to that degree that I could take satisfaction in nothing. I remembered God and was troubled, and in the depth of my distress he had pity upon me, and sent the Comforter. I then felt forgiveness for my offence, and my mind became calm and quiet, being truly thankful to my gracious Redeemer for his mercies. And after this, feeling the spring of divine love opened, and a concern to speak, I said a few words in a meeting in which I found peace. This I believe was about six weeks from the first time, and as I was thus humbled and disciplined under the cross, my understanding became more strengthened to distinguish the language of the pure spirit which inwardly moves upon the heart, and taught me to wait in silence sometimes many weeks together, until I felt that rise which prepares the creature to stand like a trumpet, through which the Lord speaks to his flock. John Woolman (1741)
Ministry should be of necessity, and not of choice, and there is no living by silence, or by preaching merely. John Churchman (1734)
The intent of all speaking is to bring into the life, and to walk in, and to possess the same, and to live in and enjoy it, and to feel God's presence. George Fox (1657)
Caprock Friends Christian Fellowship
Conservative Quakers in Lubbock, Texas
Our worship consists neither in words nor in silence as such, but in a holy dependence of the mind upon God. For such dependence, it is necessary to begin with silence until the words can be brought forth that arise from God's Spirit. Robert Barclay (1678)
When assembled, it should be the common task of one and all to wait upon God. It should be a time of turning away from one's own thoughts and for suspending the imagination in order to feel the Presence of the Lord in the midst and to know a true gathering in his name and according to his promise. Then, when everyone is thus gathered, and all meet together inwardly in their spirits, as well as outwardly in their persons, the secret power and virtue of life are known to refresh the soul. It is there that the pure motions and breathings of God's Spirit are felt to arise. Robert Barclay (1678)
As words of declarations, prayers, or praises arise from these promptings of the Spirit, the acceptable worship is known which edifies the church and is pleasing to God. No one limits the Spirit of God in such worship or brings forth his own laboriously assembled ideas. But everyone will state whatever the Lord has placed in his heart. And it will not be uttered from man's own will or wisdom, but in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Robert Barclay (1678)
And when God sees meet to put a Word into the mouth of any one of them, he is to speak what the Lord hath revealed and taught him (I Cor 2:4). So is he to give it forth in demonstration and power, and in the virtue and life of the Spirit, that it may be to edification in the church; for deep calls unto deep, and life reaches unto life, and the congregation go together to the waters to drink freely (Ps 42:7). And if anything be revealed to one that sits by, when the first is silent, that stream of the spiritual gift is turned to the other, because that spiritual liberty is in the true church, for every one to speak as they are moved by the Holy Spirit. Ellis Pugh (circa 1700)
In this humanistic age we suppose man is the initiator and God is the responder. But the living Christ within us is the initiator and we are the responders. God the Lover, the accuser, the revealer of light and darkness presses within us. 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' And all our apparent initiative is already a response, a testimonial to His secret presence and working within us. The basic response of the soul to the Light is internal adoration and joy, thanksgiving and worship, self-surrender and listening. Thomas R Kelly (1941)
I know of no other way, in these deeper depths, of trusting in the name of the Lord, and staying upon God, than sinking into silence and nothingness before Him . . . . So long as the enemy can keep us reasoning he can buffet us to and fro; but into the true solemn silence of the soul before God he cannot follow us. John Bellows (1895)
Friends, meet together and know one another in that which is eternal, which was before the world was. George Fox (1657)
Friends have never regarded [worship] as an individual activity. People who regard Friends' meetings as opportunities for meditation have failed to appreciate this corporate aspect. The waiting and listening are activities in which everybody is engaged and produce spoken ministry which helps to articulate the common guidance which the Holy Spirit is believed to give the group as a whole. So the waiting and listening is corporate also. This is why Friends emphasize the 'ministry of silence' and the importance of coming to meeting regularly and with heart and mind prepared. John Punshon (1987)
What is the ground and foundation of the gathered meeting? In the last analysis, it is, I am convinced, the Real Presence of God. Thomas R Kelly (1940)
The first that enters into the place of your meeting . . . turn in thy mind to the light, and wait upon God singly, as if none were present but the Lord; and here thou art strong. Then the next that comes in, let them in simplicity of heart sit down and turn in to the same light, and wait in the spirit; and so all the rest coming in, in the fear of the Lord, sit down in pure stillness and silence of all flesh, and wait in the light . . . . Those who are brought to a pure still waiting upon God in the spirit, are come nearer to the Lord than words are; for God is a spirit, and in the spirit is he worshipped. . . In such a meeting there will be an unwillingness to part asunder, being ready to say in yourselves, it is good to be here: and this is the end of all words and writings to bring people to the eternal living Word. Alexander Parker (1660)
'Where two or three', says our Lord, 'are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them' (Mt 18:20). In these words he . . . invites us not only to meet one with another but, in so doing, with himself also. . . Shall the poor perishing gratifications of sense and self-love, or any inconveniences of a trivial nature, be suffered to prevent our dutiful attendance upon him, in whom alone stands our everlasting interest? Shall a cloudy sky, a little wet, a little cold, a little ease to the flesh, a view to a little earthly gain, or any common incident, furnish an excuse for declining this duty, and thereby depriving ourselves of the blessed advantage, often vouchsafed to the faithful, of enjoying heavenly communion together in spirit with the Lord of life and glory? Yearly Meeting in London (1765)
I went to meetings in an awful frame of mind, and endeavored to be inwardly acquainted with the language of the true Shepherd. And one day, being under a strong exercise of spirit, I stood up, and said some words in a meeting, but not keeping close to the divine opening, I said more than was required of me and being soon sensible to my error, I was afflicted in mind some weeks, without any light or comfort, even to that degree that I could take satisfaction in nothing. I remembered God and was troubled, and in the depth of my distress he had pity upon me, and sent the Comforter. I then felt forgiveness for my offence, and my mind became calm and quiet, being truly thankful to my gracious Redeemer for his mercies. And after this, feeling the spring of divine love opened, and a concern to speak, I said a few words in a meeting in which I found peace. This I believe was about six weeks from the first time, and as I was thus humbled and disciplined under the cross, my understanding became more strengthened to distinguish the language of the pure spirit which inwardly moves upon the heart, and taught me to wait in silence sometimes many weeks together, until I felt that rise which prepares the creature to stand like a trumpet, through which the Lord speaks to his flock. John Woolman (1741)
Ministry should be of necessity, and not of choice, and there is no living by silence, or by preaching merely. John Churchman (1734)
The intent of all speaking is to bring into the life, and to walk in, and to possess the same, and to live in and enjoy it, and to feel God's presence. George Fox (1657)
Caprock Friends Christian Fellowship
Conservative Quakers in Lubbock, Texas
Waiting Worship: What to Do
There is no "method" to follow during unprogrammed, waiting worship, just as there is no method for patience, faith, or obedience. It is not a period of meditation, nor, strictly speaking, is it even a period of contemplative prayer. It is a time of patiently waiting upon the Lord with the faith that whatever it is we are experiencing can be used by our One True Teacher, if we turn our experience over to Him. Sometimes we may experience physical rest or mental rest or spiritual rest. Sometimes we may experience anxieties, wandering thoughts, boredom, or physical discomfort. Sometimes we may experience a clear call to speak, sing, or pray, while sometimes we may struggle to know if we are being called to speak, sing, or pray, and, if so, what it is we are to say, sing, or pray. In some meetings for worship, we may have a time of each of these.
One of the most important "parts" of meeting for worship is the preparation beforehand. In the minutes and hours ahead of the appointed time for worship, we may begin to feel ourselves drawn into prayer, bible reading, introspection, or inward waiting as preparation for worship. Over time, we may find ourselves preparing for the appointed time of worship days ahead of time.
Some Friends use the first few minutes of the appointed time for worship to pray inwardly for others, especially those gathered for worship; to ask inwardly for forgiveness or seek healing for oneself; to inwardly repeat a simple prayer, such as the Lord's Prayer or the name of Jesus; or to silently read passages of scriptures to which the Friend feels inwardly drawn; while others may simply allow their awareness to shift to the presence of those gathered in the Presence of the Lord. We hope that our bodies, minds, and spirits will become still, open, and receptive to the Presence of the Lord and whatever it is we need to see, hear, or say. Yet, again and again, we are more likely to become aware of how distracted we are. With patience and faith and a willingness to obey what is given, the Lord teaches us, usually slowly, how to be with Him and serve Him during worship. There is no method other than to return our attention, again and again, to His Presence.
Caprock Friends Christian Fellowship
Conservative Quakers in Lubbock, Texas
One of the most important "parts" of meeting for worship is the preparation beforehand. In the minutes and hours ahead of the appointed time for worship, we may begin to feel ourselves drawn into prayer, bible reading, introspection, or inward waiting as preparation for worship. Over time, we may find ourselves preparing for the appointed time of worship days ahead of time.
Some Friends use the first few minutes of the appointed time for worship to pray inwardly for others, especially those gathered for worship; to ask inwardly for forgiveness or seek healing for oneself; to inwardly repeat a simple prayer, such as the Lord's Prayer or the name of Jesus; or to silently read passages of scriptures to which the Friend feels inwardly drawn; while others may simply allow their awareness to shift to the presence of those gathered in the Presence of the Lord. We hope that our bodies, minds, and spirits will become still, open, and receptive to the Presence of the Lord and whatever it is we need to see, hear, or say. Yet, again and again, we are more likely to become aware of how distracted we are. With patience and faith and a willingness to obey what is given, the Lord teaches us, usually slowly, how to be with Him and serve Him during worship. There is no method other than to return our attention, again and again, to His Presence.
Caprock Friends Christian Fellowship
Conservative Quakers in Lubbock, Texas
Waiting Worship: An Overview for Visitors
We invite you to join us for worship. We gather for waiting worship in the tradition of Friends (Quakers). We silently wait upon the Lord Jesus Christ to minister to us and through us. This manner of worship is also described as "unprogrammed worship" insofar as there is no prepared "program" to be followed, as well as "silent worship" since we remain in silent prayer until the Lord gives us words to speak, sing, or pray. The following may help orient you to this manner of worship.
AN OVERVIEW FOR VISITORS
We gather in silence, in a practice centuries old, to wait upon our Lord. The meeting has no clergy. Individuals who feel led by the Holy Spirit may rise and speak or sing (or kneel and pray). Such ministry is usually brief, plainly spoken so all may hear, and grounded in the speaker's sense that the Lord provided the message and desired it to be spoken to the meeting. The usual practice is that Friends speak only once during the course of meeting. This helps increase the spiritual depth and clarity of the message, while also providing ample time for others to speak. Ideally, a spoken message is preceded and followed by significant periods of silence. Messages are never given in response to one another. As worship concludes, an appointed Friend reads a traditional Quaker advice for living followed by a short period of silence and then an invitation to share reflections on what was experienced during worship. We conclude the meeting by shaking hands.
Some visitors will be interested in knowing the following.
Caprock Friends Christian Fellowship
Conservative Quakers in Lubbock, Texas
AN OVERVIEW FOR VISITORS
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Some visitors will be interested in knowing the following.
Friends tend to dress for worship in the same manner in which they dress on
other days of the week.
We encourage children of all ages to be brought into worship. Sometimes
they are even given messages to share. Of course, it is not always
practical for children to remain in the meeting room for the whole period.
Chairs with books suitable for children are located outside of the meeting
room.
Caprock Friends Christian Fellowship
Conservative Quakers in Lubbock, Texas
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