Openings, leadings, discernment, nudges, hints, promptings - ah...the words we use to describe the subtle voice of God. The motions of love, perceptions from the deep, the hunger of the heart, being prayed through - ah...the words we use to describe the manifestations of the Spirit. For Friends, centering is finding stillness and reading the soul's compass.
Quakerism is more a practice than a belief system. A practice of worship and prayer (walking in the light) tuning our lives to the silent music of God's presence.
Before the Enlightenment in the 1700's "believe" meant "belove".
Traditionally, "believe" means "belove". It doesn't mean, "I think so, but I'm not sure."
It doesn't mean, "I accept this intellectually because I have the evidence". No, believ-
ing is a matter of the heart. The Latin credo with which the great Christian creeds be-
gin means: I give my heart to this. ( Dr. Diana L. Eck, Professor of Comparative
Religion, Harvard University.)
In Medieval Latin, the word "will" meant the action of love on the heart. Leadings are about getting in touch with the action of love on the heart, the soul compass, the place in us where beingness is sensed and perceived in the subtlest of ways.
Here is a query from New England Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice: Do you live in thankful awareness of God's constant Presence in your life? Are you sensitive and obedient to the leadings of the Holy Spirit? (p. 211)
Is there room in the memory drawer where you keep precious thoughts and ideas for leadings? Does your inward compass lead you toward the heart of God?
Leadings are rarely discerned speedily, the surface emotional and instinctive reactions must retreat and what is there in the deep then will have a chance to become apparent. This is what Quakers call "seasoning". This is another way of describing "holding something in the Light".
Leadings are a part of contemplative Quaker practice. Our spiritual life is about leading and being led.
Peter