“My Rule of Life” in 1st draft

SSPP Seminar session #7© JCD 2013

The word “rule” derives from the Latin word, regula, which implies not so much a system of rules and laws, but rather a way of regulating or regularizing our lives so that we can stay on the path that we have set for ourselves.

– A rule is like a trellis which offers support and guidance for a plant, helping it grow in a certain direction.

Macchia, Stephen A. Crafting a Rule of Life: An Invitation to the Well-Ordered Way. Downers Grove, Ill.: Formatio/IVP Books, 2012, p.14.

Getting started . . . Okay – so now you're ready to try creating your own Rule of Life. Get pencil

and paper, and then pay attention to these brief thoughts . . .

– You are not creating the Rule of Life, for all people or for all time . . .

• Jesus has already taken care of that

– You are not creating a Rule for Your Entire Life . . .

• It's not meant to account for every minute, eliminate spontaneity, or remain unchanged until death

– You are creating a rule that will spur you toward a deeper relationship with God . . .

– You are committing to begin a practice that, with God's help, will remove obstacles that hinder your spiritual journey . . .

Practices in your Rule should be . . .

• Natural,

• Intentional, and

• should be able to lived out in a rhythm that fits one’s ordinary life . . .

There are many time-tested practices (disciplines) that might be incorporated into the patterns of one’s Rule of Life . . .

Some of those behaviours are . . . – Reading and meditating on Scripture; – Praying regularly (and in differing forms)– Worship, fellowship and public communion– Regular confession of sin and forgiveness of others– Exercising sacrificial self-giving– Observing periods of silence or solitude– Fasting and retreat– Practicing hospitality

In addition attitudes can be brought under a Rule of Life . . . – Response to authority, – acceptance of the "other", – rejection of grumbling or cynicism,– forgiveness,– Respect for others.

So let’s get started . . . 1. Take a piece of A4 or A3 paper and

2. Draw a vertical line that divides the paper in half, then

3. about two-thirds of the way down the page, draw a horizontal line, now

4. Label the top two sections - "daily" and "weekly"

5. Label the bottom (smaller) sections - "monthly" and "yearly"

In each of these sections, write down whatever you already do on purpose that helps you become more mindful of God at work in your life – whether daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.

– Daily quiet time or reading,

– weekly church attendance or Bible study,

– a monthly meeting,

– or an annual retreat might be examples of what you might write down.

. . . you might also include serving with “a community helping programme”, or playing in a music group, or managing an on-line prayer list, or promoting the need of affordable housing, or saying "Lord have mercy" instead of losing your temper.

Be honest . . .

– This is not a test of your devoutness (no one's looking over your shoulder) and it is not a wish list of what you hope to do someday . . .

• If there's only one thing (or no thing!), that's a fine place to start.

• If you already have lots of things crowding the spaces, one of your challenges may be to prune some of your activities.

Now it’s time to give

your “emerging rule” a

GPS evaluation/rating

Next to each item on your list, write a . . .

G if it represents a "growth" item for you, increasing your skill or your understanding.

P if it involves you in prayer or worship or conscious contact with God.

S if it represents service to God, the community or the church.

You can be completely subjective . . . one person's "G" might be another's "S" or “P”

Remember because your Rule of life is a means to

serve in your Christian Spiritual Formation as

“the process of being conformed to the Image of

Christ for the sake of others”1 . . .

It requires ongoing review . . .

1M. Robert. Mulholland, Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1993.

As you pursue your “Rule of Life” – review its serving-workability against . . .

Rhythm– Is its “beat/cadence” flowing naturally?

Response– Is it currently nurturing formation in relationship to

your expectations?

Reflection– What am I hearing from God and engaging in daily life

through spiritual disciplines?

Rule– Is it currently supporting “holistic” life?

Remember . . . “Always Review to RENEW . . .