Joy is a fruit of the spirit
“It is very hard to find anything joyful if you are suffering grief, loss, pain or sadness. However, joy can emerge as a result of our faith; it is one of the “fruits of the spirit”. For Quakers, this can mean silent worship or prayer, either individually or in a group. We seek to come closer to the Spirit and to be open to Divine Guidance. As a result of worship, many of us feel deep connection to each other, to society, to the universe.
While faith does not remove suffering, it can transform how we experience it. Many have felt transformed or liberated, reassured or strengthened, and yes, joyful and loving! …For me those feelings don’t stay with me, so I find myself returning to silent prayer over and over again.”
— Bruce Henry, 2025
Presiding clerk of the Religious Society of Friends in Australia
Today’s Invitation
Return to silent prayer over and over again.
This Week’s Query
Where do you find joy as you get older?
What about life has gotten sweeter?
Read the source of today’s quote
Banner art by Georgia Peterson
