Handout Quaker Queries
Let’s consider some Queries which can come in different forms
here are some examples.
Have you prayed about what God would have give up to
focus on his agenda?
Has God been softly speaking to you through others to
modify your attention on something or someone near to
you?
Have you read Romans 12 or 1 Corinthinas 12 and
deeply prayed about the spiritual gifts that God
provides us to minister with?
God provides in his word a perspective we need to
recognize: Romans 12 9-16
9Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love
them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
10Love each other with genuine affection,e and take
delight in honoring each other. 11Never be lazy, but
work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.f
12Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble,
and keep on praying. 13When God’s people are in
need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to
practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them;
pray that God will bless them. 15Be happy with those
who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
16Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too
proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And
don’t think you know it all!
Queries we read in class
Are our homes places of peace, joy, and contentment? Are they an
influence for good in the neighborhood, community, and country? Do we
set a good Christian example for our children to follow? Are Friends careful
that their children realize that our loving Savior will faithfully guide them
through life, as they are willing to accept and obey Him? Do we help our
children to read and appreciate the Bible?
Do you so order your life as to include reading, meditation and communion,
that you may know more of the presence and guidance of the Divine
Spirit? Do you remember the need to pray for others, holding them in the
presence of God?
Are love and unity fostered among you? Do you manifest a forgiving spirit
and a care for the reputation of others? If differences threaten harmony
among your members, is prompt action taken in a spirit of meekness and
love? Do you visit one another frequently? Do you keep in touch with
inactive and distant members?
Do you keep to simplicity and moderation in your speech, your manner of
living, and your pursuit of business? Are you careful to keep your business
and your outward activities from absorbing time and energy that should be
given to spiritual growth and to the service of your religious society? Are
you just in your dealings and careful to fulfill your promises? Do you take
care of such members as need aid, and assist them, when possible, to
become self-supporting?
Do you regard your possessions as given you in trust and do you part with
freely for the needs of others? Are your means of livelihood in keeping with
your ideals as Friends? Are you concerned that your business be primarily
a service to people? What are you doing to foster upright practices in
business relations? Do you maintain strict integrity in all business
transactions?
Queries that can be used with scripture this is a
very simple example
Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then
you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing
and perfect.
3Because of the privilege and authorityc God has given me, I give
each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really
are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring
yourselves by the faith God has given us.d 4Just as our bodies have
many parts and each part has a special function, 5so it is with Christ’s
body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each
other.
6In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain
things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out
with as much faith as God has given you. 7If your gift is serving
others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8If your gift
is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously.
If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility
seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it
gladly.
What specific verse spoke to you and why?
What might God want you to consider in light of his word?