How can we make the meeting a community in which each person is accepted and nurtured, and strangers are welcome? Seek to know one another in the things which are eternal, bear the burden of each other’s failings and pray for one another. As we enter with tender sympathy into the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives, ready to give help and to receive it, our meeting can be a channel for God’s love and forgiveness. — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #18
To whom or to what are you accountable? — New England Yearly Meeting Queries #7
Do you recognize divinely inspired insight? Can you distinguish between divine leadings and your own needs or desires? — New England Yearly Meeting Queries #6
Face your fears and your powerlessness. Have faith. — New England Yearly Meeting Young Adult Friends #11
Are you able to contemplate your death and the death of those closest to you? Accepting the fact of death, we are freed to live more fully. In bereavement, give yourself time to grieve. When others mourn, let your love embrace them. — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #30
Do you give sufficient time to sharing with others in the meeting, both newcomers and long-time members, your understanding of worship, of service, and of commitment to the Society’s witness? Do you give a right proportion of your money to support Quaker work? — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #20
Trust that the Inner Light can lead us beyond our individual perceptions and desires into action grounded in God’s truth. — New England Yearly Meeting #7
Do you respect that of God in everyone though it may be expressed in unfamiliar ways or be difficult to discern? Each of us has a particular experience of God and each must find the way to be true to it. When words are strange or disturbing to you, try to sense where they come from and what has nourished the lives of others. Listen patiently and seek the truth which other people’s opinions may contain for you. Avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language. Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations that are unfair or untrue. Think it possible that you may be mistaken. — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #17
Marriage has always been regarded by Friends as a religious commitment rather than a merely civil contract. Both partners should offer with God’s help an intention to cherish one another for life. Remember that happiness depends on an understanding and steadfast love on both sides. In times of difficulty remind yourself of the value of prayer, of perseverance and of a sense of humour. — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #23
Do you maintain an appropriate balance among work, service, worship, family, and recreation? Are you ready to rest if God asks it of you? — New England Yearly Meeting Queries #15
Make space in your daily life for communion with God and for spiritual nurture through prayer, reading, meditation, and other disciplines which open you to the Spirit. — New England Yearly Meeting #4
Let your life speak. — New England Yearly Meeting #14
Respect the laws of the state but let your first loyalty be to God’s purposes. If you feel impelled by strong conviction to break the law, search your conscience deeply. Ask your meeting for the prayerful support which will give you strength as a right way becomes clear. — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #35
Children and young people need love and stability. Are we doing all we can to uphold and sustain parents and others who carry the responsibility for providing this care? — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #24
Do you look for opportunities to deepen your understanding of the history and testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends? Do you inform yourself about the diversity of Friends’ theology and practice? The space within Quakerism is graciously large. Where are its boundaries? — New England Yearly Meeting Queries #10
Are your meetings for church affairs held in a spirit of worship and in dependence on the guidance of God? Remember that we do not seek a majority decision nor even consensus. As we wait patiently for divine guidance our experience is that the right way will open and we shall be led into unity. — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #14
Do you maintain an appropriate balance among work, service, worship, family, and recreation? Are you ready to rest if God asks it of you? — New England Yearly Meeting Queries #15
Attend to the Spirit at work in the ordinary activities and experiences of your daily life. There is inspiration to be found all around us, in the natural world, in the sciences and arts, in our work and friendships, in our sorrows as well as in our joys. Be open to and alert for how the Spirit may be speaking to you in fresh ways, leading you in new directions. — New England Yearly Meeting #9
The Religious Society of Friends is rooted in Christianity and has always found inspiration in the life and teachings of Jesus. How do you interpret your faith in the light of this heritage? How does Jesus speak to you today? Are you following Jesus’ example of love in action? Are you learning from his life the reality and cost of obedience to God? How does his relationship with God challenge and inspire you? — Britain Yearly Meeting Advices #4
To whom or to what are you accountable? — New England Yearly Meeting Queries #7