Category: A Faith in Process

The Key to the Faith and Practice of the Religious Society of Friends states that the Inward Light is “both the historical, living Jesus, and as the Grace of God extended to people that simultaneously makes us conscious of our sins, forgives them, and gives us the strength and the will to overcome them” and “teaches…

Look not out, but within… Remember it is a still voice that speaks to us in this day, and that it is not to be heard in the noises and hurries of the mind; but it is distinctly understood in a retired frame.William Penn, 1644-1718 *** When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face…

And [God] said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was…

Simplicity is forgetfulness of self and remembrance of our humble status as waiting servants of God. (qfp.quaker.org.uk) *** Simplicity is the name we give to our effort to free ourselves to give full attention to God’s still, small voice: the sum of our efforts to subtract from our lives everything that competes with God for…

In Quaker practice, “quietness” refers to a deep, expectant stillness in worship — not just the absence of sound, but a state of inward stillness and openness to the presence of God. It is central to Quaker spirituality and worship. *** There is a quiet, open place in the depths of the mind, to which we can…

In Quaker worship, the “God in silence” is not a distant, impersonal deity, but the living presence of Christ Jesus—the Spirit of God—made known through the gathered stillness of meeting. (Quaker.org) *** “There is a progression in the spiritual life. It is not wise to tackle the Mt. Everest of the soul before having had…

“Many religions include short moments of silence in their services, but for Quakers, silence is the heart of worship. The room goes still as we let go of everyday busyness. Individuals may rise occasionally to share a message out of the silence, but for the most part quiet reigns. (dailyquaker.com) This sitting in silence together, in…

I have been reading The Quaker Book of Wisdom by Robert Laurence Smith. Among the Quaker beliefs and practices, there is much wisdom to share. I’ll start with explanation and a Quaker quote, then Scripture. *** In Quaker tradition, “stillness” is not just quiet — it is a deliberate, spiritual practice of sitting in silence together to…

(Adapted from a post found online) I Can Control My Attitude. Positivity breeds resilience. I Can Control My Effort. Knowing I did my best provides peace of mind. I Can Control My Reaction. Defuse tension by choosing calm and thoughtful responses. I Can Control Self-Care. It is necessary for overall well-being. I Can Control My…

When you cannot rejoice in feelings, circumstances or conditions, rejoice in the Lord.A. B. Simpson *** See, God has come to save me! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and song; he is my salvation.Isaiah 12:2 Living Bible *** Let this one great, gracious, glorious fact lie in…