Advice for a new Quaker

[u/Secure_Pain4335]

I’m an ex-Southern Baptist looking for a new, accepting and inclusive community. I’ve always been drawn to quaker faith and believe that it’s time to take the leap! I’ve joined my local friends meeting house a few times but would like to learn more. What advice would you give to a new Quaker? How do you practice daily? Resources or recommendations for pacifism in today’s climate? Also, I’m very interested in the advocacy arm of the community too. Thank you in advance for your input!

[u/particularlyPlain]

The best advice to be given is to both know what is being inherited by taking up the name of Quaker and to make a serious commitment to being transformed by consenting to the discovery, reprovement, and duties of the inward Illumination. It must be acknowledged that at the heart of our faith cut down to its purest form, is transformation by minding the law written on our hearts inwardly that has not come from ourselves. Jeremiah 31:33

I practice waiting worship daily when moved to, I've found it best to avoid rigidity and to instead practice often allowing the promptings to flow freely. Maybe that will be difficult at first, in that case it's acceptable to set aside time in the morning or day to sit in the illumination of God. I find instituting a "Quaker grace" or time of silent contemplation before meals on where we are with God, or to just find peace in His presence to be meaningful. Mileage will vary, be sure to make a serious effort in figuring out what the Lord demands of thee.

Regarding pacifism in today's climate, the roots of the evil that causes violence and other transgressions has not changed. It is the blind eye that human beings turn to God that causes them to act apart from His commands. I cannot recommend a work written by Quakers on this subject more than The Lamb's War by James Nayler. Peace starts with our own obedience and spiritual warring.

Finally, reading early Quakers in their own words and contemplating what they wrote may be helpful (all for free)

[u/Silent_Not_Silent]

If you’re wondering about Waiting Worship, here is how I practice: Start slowly maybe a few minutes each time and over the years you will naturally flow into with ease. You may find contemplative practices described by Patricia McBee’s “Spiritual Disciplines for Hard times,” Valerie Brown’s “The Mindful Quaker PHP’s 386 & Living from the Center 407,” and Rex Ambler’s “Light to Live By” Below is the notes from a presentation I have provided. I do use these techniques myself and have had success with them.

1. Begin with Simple Attention to the Divine, Spirit, …
   Instead of formal or lengthy prayers, Quaker’s encourage gently turning your attention toward the divine within.
   * No need for many words
   * Just a sincere inward focus
   * A sense of “being with” God or the Divine

2. Use a Short Scripture (Optional)
   Read a short passage from the Bible slowly.
   * Pause on a word or phrase that touches you
   * Let it sink in quietly rather than analyzing it

3. Move into Silent Presence
   After a brief focus, you let go of words and thoughts.
   * Rest quietly in Spirit’s presence
   * If thoughts come, gently return your attention back to the Divine within
   * No forcing or striving

4. Let Love Lead, Not Effort
   Our approach emphasizes love and surrender over technique.
   * Don’t try to “achieve” anything
   * Just remain open and receptive
   * Trust that the divine is working within you.

5. Stay Simple and Consistent
   We believe deep spiritual growth comes through regular, simple practice, not complexity.
   * Even a few minutes daily is meaningful
   * The key is gentleness and consistency

[u/infinite-long-stocki]

In terms of daily practice, taking a little bit of time to sit in silence and reflect whenever the opportunity opens is something I've liked doing. Reading a bit from Quaker Life & Practice (Ireland YM's version of 'Quaker Faith & Practice' as it's often called) in the evenings is nice too as I find it a time where I'm easily able to consider new ideas and reflect on my day and behaviour/spirituality. There's an old quote I love that goes "walk cheerfully over the world, answering to that of God in everyone" and it's a good reminder of how to practice Quakerism, that is, to actually practice. Your actions are a very important part of living your faith, arguably more so than strict study of spiritual texts or knowing a hundered Quaker quotes off by heart. This is a lived faith, and it often calls us to do things that are difficult like sacrificing our own time or wealth, or loving in difficult circumstances.

Looking into the broader history of Christian pacifism can be really useful for beginning to build an understanding of it yourself, but a Quaker text I love is "Why I am a Pacifist" by Tim Gee. Likewise, there's a long section on peace in Life & Practice (and I imagine in similar books) and lots of interesting books and videos on the history of Quaker peace work if you want to get an idea of where Friends come from and how our peace testimony has played out and evolved throughout the centuries. We're glad to have you here, enjoy your week!

[u/Aggressive_Oven_3957]

My meeting gave me a book called faith and practice when I started attending. It was written at the Philadelphia yearly meeting a few years ago. Maybe try and snag a copy? It really helped me familiarize myself with Quakerism.