Queries for Speaking Out of the Silence

Meeting for worship is the very core of the spiritual life of Friends, and speaking during meeting is central to Quaker worship. Individuals who are new to Friends often are unfamiliar with the tradition surrounding speaking during meeting for worship. The following questions may provide some guidance about speaking out of the silence.

Preparation

Have I spent time during the past week in prayerful meditation, Bible reading, or other devotional activities that have helped put me in touch with my spiritual center? 

Do I depend upon God's daily guidance?

Have I approached today with a sense of quiet reverence and avoided distracting activities before meeting? 

Am I open to speak or not to speak rather than have my mind set in one way?

Centering Down

As I enter meeting for worship, am I ready to set aside outward concerns and wayward or disturbing thoughts? Am I ready to yield to God's will?  Can I search into the deep recesses of my soul and spirit and find the inward source of meaning?  Am I developing an attitude of expectant waiting?

Would I find it helpful to reflect on a spiritual image, a Friends' query, a Bible verse, or a favorite hymn to help me discover a deeper sense of God's presence?

Am I in harmony with others in the room?  Can I hear that part of another's message that speaks to me even if it initially seems remote?

Discernment

Am I patiently listening to promptings of love and truth in my heart?  If I begin to sense a spiritual leading, is it coming deep from the God within or is it my "head" speaking to me?

If I discern that this is a true spiritual leading, is the message intended primarily for me or should it be shared with the whole group?  Will my message serve the meeting better than continued silence?

Do I sense a physical stirring such as a racing of my heart or a quickening of my breath that may be a sign that my leading is to be spoken?

If I speak frequently, such as once or twice a month, am I clear that my present message is to be shared with the group?

If I have not spoken recently, less than once or twice during the past few months, am I clear that my messages should not be shared with the group? Am I letting my own sense of unworthiness hold back that which should be shared?  Am I open to a genuine leading to express my vocal message in song?

Will my message deepen the spirit of the meeting by building on the messages that have already been shared, drawing us closer together, or would my message detract from the sense of a gathered meeting that is building?

Is my message best shared during worship or should I wait until "After Thoughts" when ideas are shared which help others but which are less clearly genuine leadings? 

Am I more concerned with delivering a well-crafted message than with being faithful to my leading?

Speaking

Has there been sufficient pause since the last message for Friends to fully appreciate the prior ministry?  Can I try to speak loudly and distinctly enough for Friends to hear my message?  Am I comfortable standing to help project my voice for others to hear easily? 

Have I resisted needless additions to my message or speaking a second time?

Closure

As the meeting comes to a close, have I listened fully to all that has been spoken and unspoken?  What can I take with me as I leave the meeting?

Am I ready to "Walk cheerfully over the world answering that of God in everyone?"

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