The Meaning of Quaker Meeting

The Society of Friends or Quakers is just what its name implies - a group of friends. They gather together to share spiritual experiences which form a part of the life of every Spirit-led man and woman.

Quakers take it for granted that every person's inner being is illuminated by a divine presence. This is called the doctrine of "the Inner Light." It is an age-old concept but is central to the beliefs of the Quakers.

They have no other creed than this: God exists in every human being. Therefore, there must be good in every human being. Friends (Quakers) endeavor to see the good in everyone rather than base their actions and opinions on the weaknesses of human beings.

The Quaker Meeting for Worship is unique among the world's religions. Each person is believed to have the ability and desire to commune with God. A spiritual oneness with the God within comes through group and individual silence. Meeting for Worship can be mostly silent as those in attendance wait for a sense of the Divine Presence. A Quaker meeting's unique atmosphere of communal devotion speaks its wordless message both to the first-time visitors and to the long­ term attendees and members.

Quakers know that the mind cannot be directed, on a moment's notice, to turn from things of daily life to those spiritual. Personal problems or other distractions may take temporary precedence. That is no concern, for the moment comes when the mind turns quickly to contemplation which is the ultimate aim of the Meeting for Worship. When that experience comes, no traffic horn, buzzing fly, or whispering child can disturb the spiritual oneness attained.

Sometimes the silence is unbroken for an entire meeting. Sometimes a voice from one or more members will become a part of the spiritual sense of the Meeting. There is no formal preacher. Any person has the privilege, the ability to speak. The message may be a scriptural verse or secular poem, offered without comment for individual interpretation in the following silence. It may be a well-balanced sermon, a comment on the day's news, or a personal anecdote. The messages are never pointless. Friends believe that silence is a spiritual experience and that it be broken only for a good cause.

We enter a simple Meetinghouse and find God there. We have brought God with us and are aware of the "Light Within" which is expanded by meeting with others. The Quaker meeting for Worship is a meeting for sharing--among friends--and in the Presence of God.