Quakerism has developed unique approaches to worship, communal decision-making, ongoing nurture of spiritual gifts, and ways to hold each other accountable in love & in truth. All spring from our experience of the Light Within or Inward Christ — God’s unmediated guidance of our faith community — direct ongoing revelation via the willing, listening hearts of the faithful in this present time.
This is a single Testimony rooted in our Quaker faith - not a basket of separate social testimonies. This Testimony is a form of prophecy — words and ways of living that express and live out God’s vision of the world. True prophecy stands in sharp contrast to the values and practices of Empire. Each dimension of this prophetic speaking and living flows from and is rooted in Quaker faith.
Having a willing, teachable heart is key to faithfulness. Prayer offers many ways to grow closer to God. Our ability to open our hearts is in turn deeply tied to how we feel ourselves to be loved by God & by those near us. We are learning how to live in & love our own bodies as temples of God's spirit—and to heal many forms of brokenness that mar our ability to love & serve God with all our hearts.
These resources can help our hearts to be cracked open: by reading & reflecting on the Bible, the writings of Friends, spiritual formation courses and programs, as well as song, poetry, art, and story. All can facilitate a deeper relationship with God—both for us as individual Friends & for our meetings.
by Douglas Steere
