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Permalink Reply by Micah Bales on 10th mo. 15, 2010 at 10:09am

In my own experience, sometimes our meetings are quiet because we are receiving inward communion with Christ in the silence and this inward teaching is sufficient, without words. When this is the case, a quiet Meeting can be a place where real ministry is being done, even without words being spoken.

On the other hand, I think that many times there is not merely a quietness, but a deadness in the silence. Oftentimes, we really aren't listening as a group. A significant part of the group may not be seeking God, but instead are occupied in other things during the silence. At times, I have experienced something worse than mere deadness in the silence: An active spirit of inattention and disruption. In such cases, God may call on us to deliver vocal ministry to call Friends out of this deadening spirit.

So - I guess my answer is: "It depends." If Christ is being received inwardly by Friends and is teaching his people himself, then it is good that we speak, offer vocal prayer, or remain silent as the Lord leads. Whether we speak or remain in silence, if we are not responding to the inward work of the Lord, we are in serious trouble as a fellowship.