Queries for Becoming Patterns and Examples
Overview
Quakers use the term Query to refer to a question or series of questions used for reflection and in spiritual exercises. Friends have used Queries as tools for offering spiritual challenges to the community.
Materials and Setup
Materials & Setup:
Share a query or queries (depending on time constraints) for the participants to reflect on. Set up the space in a circle for discussion or worship share. More on queries and worship sharing can be found in the Additional Resources tab.
Queries for Becoming Patterns and Examples
How can we create the conditions, in the form of daily disciplines and practices, that will make way for the “still small voice” to surface?
What is already present in our hearts and lives right now and how might Spirit be moving us to act?
What small steps can we take (or are we already taking)?
Who are the allies present in our midst who can support our journey?
Instructions
Instructions:
Read the information on worship sharing. Read the query/ies to the group. Invite them to enter the practice of worship share or discussion.
Additional Materials
Reading List:
A word about Quaker Queries
Quakers don’t have creeds or formal statements of things all Quakers must believe. Quakers use various names for the Divine – including God, the Light, the Seed, the Inward Teacher, and the Living Christ. We have found that there is “that of God” in each person, meaning an innate need and ability to connect to the Divine and spiritual reality. We often refer to “that of God” in each person as the “Inner Light.” Each person can have direct contact with this Divine Presence without needing a minister or priest to intercede. Instead of a creed, Quakers put their faith in a continuing relationship with God, or the Inner Light, that reveals truth and prompts action. We call this “ongoing revelation.”
Queries are questions that guide personal and group reflection on how our lives and actions are shaped by Love and Truth. The emphasis is on how to live a life more completely aligned with the life of the spirit.
Quakers often find Queries a powerful spiritual discipline. Returning again and again to the same prompt for deep reflection can set the stage for new understandings, changes of heart, and a rising sense of loving action that needs to be taken. If you can answer a Query with a “yes” or “no,” try to grapple a bit more adding “why,” “how,” and “when” to the original query.
On the reverse side are Queries for you to try. Post them in a place you will see them every day and try to ask yourself the Query at least once a day for several days. As you do so, look at your life for a sense of some inward changes: a deeper call to kindness, a more forgiving perspective, or an imperative to act.
A word about Worship Sharing
Worship sharing is worship while expressing our own experiences and listening to others, sometimes in response to a query, a series of questions, or a poem or image. Usually the group gathers in a circle and sometimes centers on an object such as a candle, a work of art, or an object from nature. We speak only from our own knowledge and experience.
Prior to worship sharing the leader should explain some guidelines, reminding the participants that sometimes what is shared is very personal, even painful, but always confidential.
Go around the circle and share names if the group is new in working together
Start with a period of silent centering then present the query, questions, poem, or image
Allow silence during and after each contribution
Noone is required to speak
Each contribution should be welcomed as a gift Be aware of the needs of each person in the group Everyone’s contribution is of equal value
Respect confidentiality, whatever is said in the group stays within the group
Be serious but not somber, laughter can make your group feel frivolous
Do not ask follow-up questions
End with handshakes or held hands or another gesture that feels appropriate and supportive