Friends
are committed to a way of worship that allows God
continually to teach and transform us. The Advices and Queries
remind us of the essential faith and principles of the Religious
Society of Friends. They challenge and inspire us in our personal
lives and in our corporate life. If the ideal of Christian discipleship
seems impossibly demanding, and we become disheartened at
times, we should remember that we seek it not with our own
strength, but with the strength of the Light within.
The
Advices and Queries are intended for use in Monthly
Meetings as well as for personal devotions. Some Meetings read one
section each month, during Meeting for Business or at other times,
or publish them in Meeting newsletters. They may be used as a basis
for annual reports on the State of the Meeting. Committees may
find certain queries helpful in evaluating their activities.
As
we speak to what we know to be true in our lives and listen to
each other in humility and understanding, we trust in the Spirit
that transcends our human effort and comprehension. So these Advices
and Queries are offered for the comfort and discomfort of Friends,
with the hope that we may be more faithful and find deeper joy in
God’s service.
† Some
queries are intended for individuals.
Italicized queries are
intended for the Meeting collectively.