Workin' for Worship

Continuing query: Are meetings for worship held in expectant waiting for Divine guidance? Are Friends encouraged to share spiritual insights? Are special gifts of ministry recognized and encouraged?

It's a wonderful blessing to be part of the Friends tradition: gender equality, fair practices, social justice are some of the compassions impressed upon Quaker hearts. A practice that I relish, particularly as I visit other worship gatherings, is that of open worship: a time of sharing prompted by the Spirit.

Open worship has had an interesting history. In the beginning it seems that Quakers spent time dialoguing with others, discerning if the Spirit laid a message on their heart for the greater group, preparing that message to be delivered at the worship gathering (which was an entire time of open worship: nothing was really planned). Sometimes it was an impromptu sharing; sometimes it was a very intentional sharing; but always it was to be at the prompting of the Spirit.

Then Quakers entered a period of quietism: they became proud of their practice of silence because it differentiated them from other traditions. They began to worship the practice rather than worship God. A good meeting was if it was quiet the whole way through.

Somewhere along the way as the American Church movement developed (I hope my History and Doctrine professor isn't reading this) Quakers divided and divided and divided again. Now there's meetings that consist solely of open worship, and meetings that are completely programmed (no silence), and meetings that incorporate both: I attend the later.

I feel as though my meeting is coming out of a time of 'internal viewing' - focusing inward rather than being missional. Resources, teachings, time - most things were spent buoying up the church building/structure/programs rather than going out into the community. But times are changing.

And as our focus become Christ-centered, Christ leading us to share His light, open worship has become more . . . vivid: deep: lush: fruitful. Folks sometimes use it as a “personal sharing” time: prayer requests, updates, random thoughts as they verbally process an issue. But many times the Spirit makes a message apparent through seemingly unrelated sharings.

Are Friends encouraged to share spiritual insights? I think I am. But it would be more beneficial if I spent time discerning potential sharings throughout the week - both individually and corporately. Reading and steeping in the word, sharing and being in community: being intentional in creating space and listening. Oftentimes I think a message will be given to me in the middle of worship: an instant 'bang! Something to share!' slammed into my head by the Spirit.

But it takes practice: becoming acquainted with God’s touch, the Spirit's tuggings. And it takes processing: working with others to clarify the message - if it's meant for me or the great worship body. And it takes accountability: a place to work out what it feels like when I don’t follow through with a leading.

Worship is work. It’s not a time to sit back and be entertained. It takes preparation, intentionality, and a willing Spirit. It's scary: it's a rush: it's totally worth it.

Abba Father, work with me during the week. Clearly impress upon my heart your message for our worship gathering. I want to be Your Light.