Rule of Life
During August we are looking at our spiritual growth in a written format and this week we are going to look at what and how a ‘Rule of Life’ might help us build and live a consistent rhythm in our prayer life and faith journey.
The concept of living a ‘Rule of Life’ first came about in the 6th century and very much followed the teachings of Jesus and how someone living in community could follow his example. It encourages us to look at who we have been created to be, and gives us stability. We have always needed this, but now when every day we hear new guidelines on how we need to live in society, our own rule of life can give us the basic foundation to build our Christian life upon, and help us not to be tossed about by everything that happens around us.
A ‘Rule’ offers a framework to help us to live for Jesus in every aspect of our lives, it’s rooted in scripture. There’s no right or wrong way to decide upon your own rule, but do follow these few steps as you consider what you might commit to each day.
· Start small and build upon what you can realistically do.
· Be specific about what your spiritual practices will be ‘keeping a Sabbath’ might not mean lying on a sofa all day!
· Consider your personality, there needs to be balance between introverted tendencies and extroverted ways.
· Consider the stage of life you are at, do you have a young family, are you new to faith or maybe your retired, they will all offer you a different way of creating your ‘rule’
· Don’t become rigid, there is room for spontaneity, a good balanced rule feels like freedom, let the Holy Spirit within you, be your guide.
So as you begin to write down your own ‘Rule’, consider how and when you will incorporate these practices into your life?
1. Silence and Solitude: an intention time to be alone in God’s presence.
2. Scripture: Continually be committed to reading God’s word and learning to interpret and discern what you have read.
3. Prayer: essential for our relationship with God, it needs to be woven into our routine and vary in content, learn new ways to pray.
4. Fasting!: a willingness to abstain from food for a period of time.
5. Simplicity: Structure your life, so you have space and it becomes more freeing.
6. Live in Community: Share your life of faith, pray and break bread with others.
7. Sabbath: A day set aside for rest, worship, gathering (when we can)
Jesus calls each one of us and says ‘Come to me … and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart. (Matt 11:28-29)
Hopefully as we enter into autumn soon, this will be a way of sustaining and growing us, through whatever we have to face?
Next week I will develop these ideas more but please be encouraged to start, pray and think about what and how you might incorporate these practices into your every day. Then come back next week and develop what you have already started. If you would like to talk about it, then please do get in touch.