Meeting for Worship for Healing (MfWfH) is first and foremost, worship. Friends (Quakers) gather in expectant waiting on and in the Spirit as they do in any meeting for worship. The difference is, they are gathered with the intention to focus on healing. Friends present may be desirous of healing for themselves, or they may come with requests for those not present. The belief is that all who are willing and open, are able to receive and benefit from the life-affirming source that we know as Spirit, or the Inward Light, or God. Healing is the achievement of, or striving towards, wholeness. As we dwell in the source of all life, we approach wholeness.
The mechanics of MfWfH are relatively straightforward. Each gathering will have a Clerk, who is tasked with overseeing the MfWfH. Friends will usually sit in a circle, with a chair placed in the center. The meeting settles into silence and the Clerk, as she is led, will ask for names of those present who are in need of healing. They may state a particular need requiring attention, or not. The Clerk may write these names and concerns down if there are sufficient numbers, or in smaller gatherings, may simply keep track of them in her head. As the worship deepens, the Clerk will call from the list of names, in the order she is led, and will ask the Friend, if they desire, to take a seat in the center of the circle.
Once seated, the Friend will be asked if they have any objection to the laying on of hands. The choice is wholly that of the recipient. Those in the circle are then asked to hold the Friend in the Light. Friends may be led to offer prayer, or song, or touch, or silent worship, all guided by Spirit. This process continues with each Friend as they are called by the Clerk. When there are no other Friends present in need of healing, then the Clerk may ask for names of persons not present who wish to be held in the Light. While the focus is usually on individuals, MfWfH can also give its attention to situations or concerns. There is need for healing in all corners of the world, and the potential for open hearts to give and receive is limitless.
Meeting for Worship for Healing is usually held on the second Sunday of each month. Visit fallsingtonmeeting.org for details.