Rest Quietly in the Prophetic Stream

“We generally think of prophets as dramatic and conspicuous people; not only are they sometimes martyred, they occasionally sit on facing benches, makes speeches, get arrested, and are generally in the limelight. We need those conspicuous and bold prophets, and from time to time, even the most unassuming Quaker must take such a stand. 

However, the Society of Friends would soon die out if we could not depend on the silent and inconspicuous prophets who are necessary for each gathered meeting, for if they do not stay faithfully in that living center, how can others “catch” the spirit which leads us and holds us together? 

Robert Barclay described this beautifully three centuries ago when he told how the secret, silent, inconspicuous prayer and silent ministry of just one person could lift and center an entire meeting. I know that my own ability to speak or minister in a meeting has often depended on the faithfulness of a few focused, silent prophets. A truly gathered meeting is a band of prophets – silent prophets resting quietly in the prophetic stream so that others who come can catch the spirit in that gathered meeting.” 

— William Taber, 1984
Quaker educator and minister