Quaker Worship

We come together in worship

  • To listen to the Spirit

  • To know and be known by the Divine

  • To grow in our faith

  • To be changed

  • To support each other

  • To help one another follow Divine Guidance

Quaker worship is based on silent waiting, where we expect to come into the presence of God. In this living silence, we listen for the still, small voice that comes from God through the Inward Light. Worshiping together in silence is a way for a community to be brought together in love and faithfulness.

During silent worship, anyone — man, woman, or child — may feel inspired to give vocal ministry (speak out of the silence). After the person speaks the message, the silence resumes. Such messages may be offered several times during a meeting for worship, or the whole period of worship may be silent.

Someone will signal the close of worship by shaking hands with another person, then everyone shakes hands with those seated nearby.

In this QuakerSpeak video, a lifelong Quaker, Arthur Larrabee, sets out to answer the question: What do Quakers believe?