What Is Unprogrammed Worship?

Ann Arbor Friends gather for unprogrammed silent worship in the Quaker tradition. Each worshiper seeks to listen in silent expectation to the spirit of God within. Sometimes that spirit brings us--any of us--a message that seems clearly to speak to the condition of others gathered here; when we are convinced that such a message is within us, we may rise to give that message as "vocal ministry." Preplanned messages or meditations are usually out of place in Meeting for Worship, as are argumentative statements or critical responses to other messages. It is appropriate to leave time for silent worship between spoken messages. Sometimes a deep, shared stillness in the Meeting for Worship continues without spoken messages from the arrival of the first worshiper until Meeting closes.