The Foundation of Quaker Spirituality
“What is spiritual silence? It is not just the absence of talk. Silence has substance. It is the presence of something.
If we can stay in this place of silence without rushing to fill it up in some way, we are humbled to know even for a little while that we in our own power do not have all the answers. We become more willing to listen. Meanwhile, God has always been communicating. Listening to the Inward Teacher is the foundation of Quaker spirituality.
We can see this attention to listening in the life of George Fox as he wandered the English countryside, pondering while sitting in hollowed out trees. It was revealed to him in his despair and frustration with priests, Scripture and steeple houses ‘that there is one Christ Jesus who can speak to thy condition.’ As Friends we know that this guidance is accessible to all people if we listen. This is the revolutionary revelation of Quakerism – that out of the silence, Christ can speak to our condition so we no longer must be captive to sin. Silence can remove the veil between us and the Truth.”
— Kathryn Damiano, 2005
Quaker spiritual director and teacher
Today’s Invitation
Listen to the inward teacher and allow silence to remove the veil between yourself and the Truth.
This Week’s Query
What was the moment you realized silence could be spiritually powerful?
How has silence shaped your life?
Read the source of today’s quote
Banner art by Mark Pratt-Russum
