Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #17 Waiting Worship Artwork

Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

This is a podcast of Ohio Yearly Meeting. We are a collection of Conservative Quaker Meetings based primarily in Ohio. By conservative, we do not mean politically conservative. Conservative Friends are known for their commitment to conserve the Original message of the first generation of Quakers. These Quakers, in turn, saw their movement as a revival of primitive Christianity. We hope the installments of our podcasts will present the understandings of Conservative Quakerism.

So, if thee is interested in learning the differences between Conservative Quakers and other Quakers, or would like to understand differences between Quakers and other Christians, thee may well be at the right place. On the other hand, the Conservative Quaker perspective is so strikingly unique in contemporary society, that it will be a balm to many seeking spiritual fulfillment. To assist these seekers is the true intent of publishing our podcast.

A good many of the podcast installments will be presented by Henry Jason. Henry is knowledgeable in the Greek of the New Testament and has a fascinating way of tying the meaning of the original words with the writings of early Friends. Listening to him provides a refreshing view of scripture and is an excellent way to learn about original Quaker theology. Henry's podcasts are usually bible classes and so they are often interspersed with discussions, questions and insightful comments by his students.

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Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #17 Waiting Worship

May 13, 2022 • Henry Jason

This podcast focuses on some individual reflections on waiting worship as practiced by Conservative Friends. We are reminded that the best source on waiting worship is Barclay’s Apology.

The English word “worship” is a combination of two words: “worth” and “ship”: giving back something to God in understanding of what He is worth. True worship recognizes Who He is, and gives respect and awe back to Him for it. It is not what Paul calls in the King James Version 17th century rendition “will worship” (Col 2:23), i.e., “Do what you want religious practice and worship". Friends' worship is drawn from John 4 where Jesus says that God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and Truth. In waiting worship, two traditional Quaker meanings are mentioned: 1.) We wait for the Lord, wait to feel His presence and 2.) We wait on the Lord, as a servant or waiter waits upon some one, to listen to him and do what he asks us to do;

As Quakers we believe we must experience a total true repentance of who we were, resulting in a complete transformation of the way we think and act, becoming a living sacrifice for the Lord. (Rom 12:1,2) A quotation from Francis Howgill underscores the total change early Quakers experienced and practiced, along with an understanding of the biblical Greek words for slave (δοῦλος (doulos)) and servant (διάκονος (diakonos)): we are to exemplify those attributes as believers in Jesus.

There is a brief discussion of two contemplative Catholic Quietists: Miguel de Molinos, and Madame Guyon. Molinos A Guide to True Peace presents many similarities to Quaker worship.

An (uncited) quote from John Wilbur’s letters is read describing the complete change of heart, mind and spirit of those who follow Christ. Quakers are a religion of the Spirit, like the first generations of Christianity.

Four sentences (from Letter XVI) of the early Quaker Isaac Penington on the essentiality of depending on the [Holy] Spirit to interpret the words of the Holy Scripture are read.

The roles of minister and elders among Conservative Friends, and how ministry and teaching are accomplished are briefly mentioned.

Resources

An Apology for the True Christian Divinity by Robert Barclay. See Worship in the index.

Francis Howgill quotation

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org.

Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome!

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Dicipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.