Part 3 : Synopsis of Session

Our session comparing meditation and Quaker worship began with a comparison of the words written by the participants comparing the two ideas. Interestingly, neither included the word silent.

We discussed our various experiences of both. Karen brought some resources for the group: the lyrics to the song "Wait in the Light" from the Quaker opera The Fire and the Hammer (lyrics by Alec Davison), a quote from a newsletter by Steve Davison in his blog "Through the Flaming Sword" and a comment by Robert Barclay on worship. The reading by Steve brought in the idea that the tools of meditation can be useful with in a worship setting. The lyrics identified a process to go through while in worship.

1. surrender yourself and be still
2. abandon your wisdom and will
3. At first let your thoughts overflow
4. Don't struggle and try to resist doubts
5. But learn to let go
6. Temptation and trouble appear
7. Sink into what which is pure
8. Submit to the things that are sure
9. Evil will melt
10. Good will be upraised
11. Shaken you'll stand amazed
12. Kingdom of heaven is felt

We also discussed the concept of a "gathered" or "covered" meeting, when the meeting feels alive in a different way. Quakers don't take communion the way other worship communities do, because it is only the symbol of the communion that worship is supposed to be.

One attender mentioned how different it felt to be in the meetinghouse alone on Christmas Day even though the place is the same.
Another participant detailed her experience in a group meditation where there was unspoken communication similar to that experienced in a "gathered" meeting.

Conclusion: Quaker worship is somewhat similar to meditation, and some of the tools of meditation are helpful. However, Quaker worship is usually more of a communal experience than meditation.