Pendle Hill Pamphlets

For more than sixty years, Friends have used A Guide to Quaker Practice to demystify Friends’ activities. Howard Brinton wrote the guide assuming that somebody would improve on his work as the Religious Society of Friends grew and changed in the second half of the twentieth century. His guide proved more durable than he anticipated. It saw three printings during the 1940s. Following a thorough revision in 1950, it was reprinted ten times before its next revision in 1993. One explanation for its durability can be found in Brinton’s own writing.

Praying with and for one another is a powerful way to engender spiritual vitality in our lives and meeting communities. Intercessory prayer—prayer for another person—comes in many forms. Friends often speak of it as “holding one another in the Light.” It may involve lifting up specific requests on behalf of someone else, or simply joining with God’s constant love for that person. It can be done when we are alone or with others. However we understand it and practice it, holding one another in the Light can bring us into deeper spiritual intimacy with each another, the world, and the Divine.

This essay concentrates on the communal and societal aspects of gospel order as the foundation of meeting – or church – community life. “Gospel” refers to the actual relationship with God. “Order” refers to the patterns of daily living which flow from God. PHP 297