Worship Sharing using Psalm 51: A Pentecost Path to Healing

Nurturing the Flame: Faith, Reflection, and Healing in South Jersey Quaker Worship

The Quaker tradition in South Jersey carries a deep historical significance as the first seat of Quaker governance in what would later become the United States. This legacy invites us to reflect on how we nurture the light of the Spirit within, even as we navigate turbulent times. As Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit, we too are reminded that the Light of Christ within us is precious and requires care, attention, and renewal.

Shawn Ginwright, in The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves, challenges us to turn our attention inward. He states, “There is always going to be something ‘out there’ to focus on and distract us, but we need to spend quality time taking a look in the mirror at ourselves first.” This wisdom echoes the practice of Quaker worship, where silence and reflection guide us toward deeper truths. Psalm 51:11-12 reflects this inward renewal: “Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.”

To be transformed by the renewing of our minds, we must dedicate time and effort to spiritual discipline, allowing truth to speak in and through us. This renewal is essential for both individuals and faith communities, particularly in an era when external conflicts often overshadow the need for internal clarity and peace. Worship sharing in our Monthly Meetings can serve as a vital space for Friends to nurture this flame, moving from reactive engagement with the world to proactive spiritual grounding.

Shifting Attention: Four Pivots for Spiritual Renewal

Four Pivots is a Friends United Meeting process. FUM Friends use these four essential areas of personal spiritual care: awareness, vision, connection, and presence to expand Psalm 51. In small group worship we seek to align more closely with our testimonies. Using a ‘still small voice’ coming from beyond us as a guide us toward deeper faith and practice.Quaker Testimony of Peace, Integrity, Stewardship, Simplicity may be guideposts to deepen listening.

1. From External Power to Internal Power
   We often focus on speaking truth to power, yet neglect that power of grace which we possess within ourselves—a power that arises from a healed heart and a transformed life. How can we shift our perspective from reacting to external forces to cultivating the divine Light and presence of compassion within?
2. From Solving Problems to Seeing Possibilities
   Our instincts may be always quick to fix what seems to be broken; yet sometimes a more faithful response is to recognize the creative possibilities before us. Worship sharing can become a space where we listen deeply, seeking divine guidance rather than simply rushing to solve problems.
3. From Transactional Relationships to Deep Connection
   Too often, we view relationships through a transactional ‘trade-offs’ view point of immediate gain or loss. Shifting connection means valuing and acknowledging ‘that of God’ in each person and every being. How might we reframe our interactions within our Meetings to cultivate relationships that honor our ‘care full’ shared humanity and divine potential?
4. From Busyness to Presence
   Many of us are caught in endless cycles of making lists and completing tasks, but the heart of faith lies in being fully present. Worship offers us an opportunity to pause, to find joy in balance; and the space the divine source gives us to test our pause. The Space between the notes surrounds and accompanies the music of our felt gathered ministry as we seek to find the Artists’ Way between accountability and grace. How do we practice presence in a way that nurtures our spirits and deepens our faith?

Worship Sharing as a Path to Healing

In times of uncertainty and division, worship sharing is a healing practice, grounding love and offering deep listening. Our Quaker history, this faith FULL community building among friends of South Jersey reminds have long sought to live in alignment with our mutual experiences and inter faith, making space for Way Opening out from the silence, for discernment and transformation together and inviting. Worship sharing is a radical act in a hospitality of spirit.

Gathering in Meeting for Worship and worship sharing, let us be care full, hope full, and mind full of a holy flame we are nurturing within ourselves and within community. Experimentally known, this inner work helps us sustain justice, foster peace, and reveal some of the Divine in all we do.

Queries for Reflection and Worship Sharing:

• How do we balance external action with internal spiritual renewal?
• Where do we see creative possibilities in our faith and community life?
• How do we nurture authentic relationships that honor ‘that of God’ in each person?
• In what ways can we cultivate presence and joy in our daily spiritual practice?

By engaging in Meeting ‘beyond Quakerism’ together, South Jersey Friends continue our faithfulness: A faith long shaping our region, bringing light, renewal, hope to Meeting & beyond.