|
through. The Light was also the Spirit of Christ, whose power and judgment Friends had found
to be loving.
--Hugh Barbour,
|
We benefit from reserving times for quiet reflection on our lives and on those "promptings of love and truth in our hearts, which are the leadings of God." Our worship, deeper than words, reminds us that we wish to give the first place in our lives to the unseen and eternal. Friends look forward to sharing silence with other Friends, to sharing insights in worship, and to sharing leadings.
|
And while waiting upon the Lord in silence, as often we did for many hours together, with
our minds and hearts toward him, being staid in the
light of Christ within us, from all thoughts, fleshly
motions, and desires, in our diligent waiting and
fear of his name, and hearkening to his word, we
received often the pouring down of the spirit upon us, and the gift of God's holy eternal spirit as in
the days of old, and our hearts were made glad,
and our tongues loosed, and our mouths opened, and we spake with new tongues, as the Lord gave
us utterance, and as his spirit led us, which was
poured down upon us, on sons and daughters.
--Edward Burrough, "Epistle to the Reader,"
|
Silent times help to heal us from hurts of the mind and body. The quiet has brought us refreshment and strength to do what we thought ourselves unable to do or even to contemplate. Especially in the worshipping group, many have found "the evil within us weakened and the good raised up," despair and turmoil lessened, and steadfastness of purpose strengthened. We have often come to understand others' cares and unite with their concerns.