Quaker Worship: Reflections and Explorations by James McCarthy
This is a thoughtful consideration of Quaker meetings for worship. It’s a new addition to the Kindlers series of devotional booklets, aimed at the curious – regardless of how little or how much experience of such worship the reader might have. James McCarthy draws upon fifty years of ‘practice’ and still remains intrigued by its mysterious and compelling quality. (The reviewer is similarly captivated after only a year’s exposure.)
Whilst silent worship is not uncommon in religious traditions, and may seem similar to meditation, an important way in which it differs is its communal (rather than individual) focus, from which felt alignment of spirit can arise. When it does, Quakers disarmingly call this ‘a gathered meeting,’ regardless of whether or not it was punctuated by ‘ministry’ – usually (but not exclusively) spoken contributions.
This community dimension enhances the value of the booklet, because an interesting selection of answers from sixty survey respondents forms its backbone. Diverse voices and opinions are allowed to speak for themselves. Another strength is its readability.
Its core is framed around the five questions below. The range of answers, from pithy to expansive, from prosaic to poetic, provide a diversity of interesting and insightful responses, many of them refreshingly honest. Readers may well find themselves comparing and contrasting their own answers, insights and experiences with those here.
Here’s a sample of a some of my favourite (mostly shorter) replies:
Why do you go to meeting?
When we’re together, concentrated in stillness, there is a sense of Presence amongst us.
What do you do in meeting for worship?
I enjoy it when there is ministry ‘which speaks to my condition’ and when the thread is followed. Of course, not all ministry does, and sometimes there’s too much. Where that happens, it’s a good lesson in tolerance.
How do you know when it is a good meeting?
Sometimes I am very sure that a meeting was well held with a deep sense of ‘Presence’. How I am aware of the ‘Presence’ I cannot say.
What effect does meeting for worship have on your life?
Immeasurable. It informs my attitudes and beliefs, gives me courage and bolsters my sense of deep-down identity.
[It’s] a work in progress… in the aftermath of a recent car accident, I was able to stay calm, centred and loving. Which for my formerly turbulent self, is a solid marker of effect.
Have you had a significant experience during meeting for worship which you would like to share?
In testing out what arises for me in the stillness, and whether it is a message to share, I experience a physical sensation in the area of my heart that leads me to stand – without that I accept the message as just for me in that moment and sink again into listening.
The appendices include young Quakers’ experiences on the topic, balancing the impression that most contributors were seasoned silent worshipers. Other appendices are similarly complementary.
Probably many readers of Kindler booklets read them contemplatively before or after meetings for worship. This particular booklet lends itself to exactly that purpose, with its many sage observations and honest comments on the whys and wherefores of Quaker worship. Try it.
https://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Quaker-Worship-Reflections-and-Explorations_9781068663109
© Kit Pearce