SPIRIT-LED CORPORATE WORSHIP
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:24
The meeting for worship is the heart of the Religious Society of Friends. Friends gather to experience communion with God. In active, expectant silence we strive to disassociate the mind from outward thoughts and to center inwardly. Each is aided and strengthened by the seeking of others and, since everyone is a participant in this fellowship, worship becomes a corporate experience.
When Friends gather to worship, we come with diverse needs and gifts that may not be known in advance. In order that all may be open to the stirrings of the Spirit within and be free to minister to one another as that Spirit leads, a meeting for worship begins in silence, with no plan or program and with no designated leader. Friends uphold one another in an attitude of expectant waiting, mindful of Jesus’ words, “For where two or three have met together in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20
Friends approach the meeting for worship confidently, believing that God speaks directly to each person, and gives guidance to those who listen. Each worshiper becomes a listener ready to receive God’s message. At times, a “gathered meeting” attains a more than usual sense of divine presence, which touches the hearts of all worshipers and unites them in a common experience of holy fellowship.
A call to vocal ministry may come to any worshiper – young or old, attender or member. Many Friends experience a sense of urgency when called to speak, a sense of a leading which must be followed, and a sense of peace when a message has been faithfully delivered. Whether one is moved to speak or to remain silent, what matters for the meeting is that everyone be sensitive to and guided by the Inner Prompting.
Friends are urged to lead their children in the habits of regular and orderly attendance at meeting for worship. A vocal message from a child or a young person may be very helpful to the meeting.
The meeting for worship closes when a designated person in the meeting shakes hands with another, and everyone else shakes hands with those nearby. This generally occurs near the appointed time or when the spirit of the meeting seems to indicate that the time to close has come.
The absence of outward rites and sacraments in Friends’ worship reflects an emphasis on the reality of the inward experience. Direct communion with God and the inward baptism of the Holy Spirit make the observance of rites unnecessary. For this reason, and because every day is holy, Friends tend not to emphasize religious holidays.
source Faith and Practice