Once meeting begins, take time to enter fully into the spirit of worship. Gently offer up distractions as you center down and open yourself to the workings of the Spirit. Come to Meeting with neither a resolve to speak, nor a determination not to speak, but rather with an attitude of expectant waiting and openness.
If you feel moved to speak, take a moment to test your leading. Is your message from the Spirit, or from somewhere else? If it is from God, is it meant only for yourself, or for the entire Meeting? Genuine ministry is often preceded by a physical uneasiness, a “heart pounding weakness,” from which our name Quaker is derived. Remember that silence is not just the space between messages, but a deep and living communion with the “Spirit which gives life.” Your silent prayer and openness to God are themselves a form of ministry that enriches the Meeting community. Allow adequate time between spoken messages, so that all my listen to Got and truly hear the previous message,
Brevity is an under-appreciated virtue. If you speak, do not feel compelled to explore all the implications of your insight. Rather, leave room for the Spirit to work through the next person, potentially building on your words and possibly extending them in an unexpected direction.
Inevitable, not all vocal ministry will be equally meaningful to all present. Remember, ministry that does not speak to you may nevertheless be valuable to others. If you feel yourself struggling with another’s words, learn to listen for the Spirit behind the words.
In regard to any impulse to speak a second time during worship, Friends have traditionally counseled restraint. Partly this is a matter of equity (since most present will not speak at all, none should speak more than once), and partly a recognition that to offer genuine vocal ministry is a weighty matter requiring a degree of spiritual discernment and obedience beyond what most of us can muster twice in a single hour.
Remember that our manner of worship is ultimately a mystery under the direction of the Spirit. Each meeting for Worship is a spiritual adventure, unique and unpredictable. Let us remember in humility, as Isaac Pennington wrote, that “the end of words is to bring us to the knowledge of things beyond what words can utter.” Know that you are a channel for the Light. If you have a deep sense of the urging of the Spirit, consider your obligation to pass the message on.
Queries:
How do I discern when to speak and when not to speak, both in Meeting and elsewhere?
How do we encourage Friends to allow ample time to absorb the previous message before speaking?
How do I practice listening to the Truth which may be revealed by others?