Advices and Queries 36: Do you uphold those who are acting under concern, even if their way is not yours? Can you lay aside your own wishes and prejudices while seeking with others to find God’s will for them?

This special Advice and Query asks us to become aware of our wishes and prejudices, our judgements and biases so that we can uphold Friends acting "under concern".

This advice and query looks at how Quakers have at times felt led to break the law. For example when hiding people from the Nazis, helping people escape slavery, or peaceful demonstrations. How do we internalise oppressive laws in our own minds and what burdens do we want to "lay down" as we come to the end of 2024?

This podcast is dedicated to the hope war in Gaza can end. If you feel led to support please donate to UNICEF here: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal-email-dec24/?utm_source=Unicef_UK&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=email_dm_loyalty_emergency_gaza_aug2024_update

"Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national, and international affairs. Do not shrink from the time and effort your involvement may demand." This firm and clear advice directs us away from apathy and hopelessness and asks that we engage fully in our duties as a citizen.

Advices and Queries 33: 1. Are you alert to practices here and throughout the world which discriminate against people on the basis of who or what they are or because of their beliefs? Bear witness to the humanity of all people, including those who break society’s conventions or its laws. Try to discern new growing points in social and economic life. Seek to understand the causes of injustice, social unrest and fear. Are you working to bring about a just and compassionate society which allows everyone to develop their capacities and fosters the desire to serve?

This advice and query is an invitation to do the inner work of reconciliation with our own emotions and attitudes that we so often refuse to acknowledge. "Bring into God’s light those emotions, attitudes and prejudices in yourself which lie at the root of destructive conflict, acknowledging your need for forgiveness and grace. In what ways are you involved in the work of reconciliation between individuals, groups and nations?"

The peace testimony is a core part of Quaker practice. How do we ensure our outer lives do not inflate war and how do we do the same in our inner lives. This Advice and Query invites and challenges us to explore how we cultivate peace.

Are you able to contemplate your death and the death of those closest to you? Accepting the fact of death, we are freed to live more fully. In bereavement, give yourself time to grieve. When others mourn, let your love embrace them.

Approach old age with courage and hope. As far as possible, make arrangements for your care in good time, so that an undue burden does not fall on others. Although old age may bring increasing disability and loneliness, it can also bring serenity, detachment and wisdom. Pray that in your final years you may be enabled to find new ways of receiving and reflecting God’s love.

Advices and Queries 28: 1. Every stage of our lives offers fresh opportunities. Responding to divine guidance, try to discern the right time to undertake or relinquish responsibilities without undue pride or guilt. Attend to what love requires of you, which may not be great busyness. Come and explore how to "attend to what love requires of you" with this gentle meditation.

1. Live adventurously. When choices arise, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak. When decisions have to be made, are you ready to join with others in seeking clearness, asking for God’s guidance and offering counsel to one another?