To begin, we quietly take our seats on the benches. No Places are reserved. As the benches fill, slowly silence settles over the meeting. Ours is known as an "unprogrammed" Quaker meeting. This means there are no hymns, no sermons, no set prayers, no responsive readings, no ceremonies, no rituals and no designated minister. Each of us brings his or her own thoughts, insights or prayers, while being part of a company of seekers.
Occasionally the silence may be broken when someone feels the need to offer a message, usually brief, simple in wording, and spiritual in nature. The silence comes again until someone has the urge to add to the vocal ministry. The message may continue the theme of an earlier message or it may be on an entirely different subject. None of the messages is planned or rehearsed, but arises spontaneously from the meeting.
Finally, at the end of the hour, a member appointed to raise the meeting greets and shakes hands with those nearby. The hand shaking passes from person to person and our meeting is over. The same Friend who raised the meeting then asks you and other newcomers to introduce yourselves so that we may welcome you.
If you were to ask a number of Friends what takes place in a Friends Meeting for Worship, you would get many different answers. It is likely though that most would agree that a Meeting for Worship is a period of intense listening—listening to others, listening to that small inner voice in each of us, listening to whatever ways God speaks.
In a Friends Meeting, listening is a very active verb. It suggests not just the relatively passive act of hearing but the active effort of seeking. Seeking what? You must answer for yourself. It may be insight, understanding, courage, solace, belief, faith or love.
Probably what you seek will not come easily. Most of us are not gifted mystics. We have to labor for our insights. We are easily distracted when we seek to hear the voice of God. Everyday thoughts intrude. The mind refuses to settle in and jumps unbidden to different topics. Do not be discouraged. Successfu11istening takes practice and time.