For Quakers, Divine Light is that which cannot be put aside, that which is greater than ourselves. Some would name that presence God or Spirit or The Inner Light. There are many names. It is a strongly held belief that there is that of God in everyone, that the Divine Light or Spirit enlivens each person and all of creation.
When Quakers come to the awareness that there is a situation or condition that is disturbing, sad or out of harmony, they will hold that person or situation in the Light. To hold someone in the Light is to deeply connect with Spirit and at the same time hold the person who is in need of extra, tender care in the Presence, too. It is similar to prayer with an image of that person or situation being bathed in Divine Light, being infused with a beautiful, revitalizing energy.
In the past, the Pastoral Care Committee at Annapolis Friends Meeting held weekly Meetings for Healings that included a list of people or situations that Friends wanted to hold in the Light, to bring into Spirit’s Light for guidance, healing, clarity of mind, special needs and more. Now a weekly email notifies the community of those in need. Every Fifth Night (Thursday) from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friends will pause wherever they may be, read the list of names, and hold each person or situation in our hearts and in the Light.
This is a spiritual practice that acknowledges the Light of God within each person and that to be in community is to actively care for one another.
Join us in bringing the Light into areas that sorely need it.
Fifth Night Light
Every Thursday from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm
For more information, contact pastoral-care@annapolisfriends.or
Photo by Dotty D. Copyright © 2020 Clandestine Wren Photography, All rights reserved.