Walking with God.

Rule of Life

A tool for keeping God at the centre **of everything.**

We all have regular rhythms and habits, whether conscious or unconscious. The question is are they are serving us well? Are we spiritually and emotionally healthy? Do we have a clear sense of direction and purpose without being blown off-course by the busyness and distractions of life? Do we cope well with sudden events and circumstances? Do we keep focused on God?

The concept of a ‘Rule of Life’ has been used for centuries with rule meaning a ‘regular pattern’ rather than a set of regulations and restrictions to be obeyed. Like putting on the right pair of glasses to see clearly; an intentional Rule of Life acts as a tool to help see God’s purpose, direction and balance for our lives. It enables us to grow closer to Jesus, become more like Him and join in with His mission across the world.

“A RULE OF LIFE IS AN INTENTIONAL, CONSCIOUS PLAN TO KEEP GOD AT THE CENTRE OF EVERYTHING.”

— Pete Scazzero, Author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Although there are various ways to develop an intentional Rule of Life, many find principles shared in the 6th century by St Benedict a helpful foundation. Benedict wanted to help monks seek Christ together in community and live out God’s love in the ordinary circumstances of daily life. The stress is on a balance of healthy habits for:

PRAYER & SCRIPTURE | REST | RELATIONSHIPS | WORK & SERVICE

Using these four headings, we encourage you to choose to explore different Healthy Habits and rhythms to match up with your life circumstances, personality and needs. This means there can be massive variety in what each person’s rule looks like. However, the foundation for every Christian will be seven core practices modelled throughout the Bible and in particular in the life of Jesus:

Scripture – reading, studying and soaking in the word of God
Silence & Solitude – intentional times of quiet with God
Prayer – conversation with God weaved into the fabric of our lives
Fasting – abstaining from food and other items for periods to focus attention on our relationship with God
Simplicity – freeing ourselves from distractions, unhealthy commitments and dependencies
Community – committing time and energy to share life as part of the Body of Christ
Sabbath – usually at least a day a week set aside for rest and worship