This Week’s Query
From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice
‘Worship is our response to an awareness of God. We can worship alone, but when we join with others in expectant waiting we may discover a deeper sense of God’s presence. We seek a gathered stillness in our meetings for worship so that all may feel the power of God’s love drawing us together and leading us.’
There is something unique about being ‘with’. Being ‘apart’ is far different than being ‘a part’. To be gathered with others in a sense of purpose and practice brings meaning to us that is far different than our solitary work. Indeed, the work we do alone has its importance. But the waiting work we do with others, the consideration of what is happening among a collection of people, brings power and insight that we may not always receive when waiting alone.
And our waiting is not passive… worship is not a stagnant noun. Rather it’s an active verb… our query describes it as a response to God. We meet together to respond to who and what God is, to explore more fully how God moves in our lives, and to seek to understand more of God. How much better to do this with others whom we can share the experience with? I invite you to find a place of worship among Friends.