Quick Guide to Forming a Rule of Life

Wild Hares, Celtic Art Studio

A Quick Guide to Forming a Rule of Life

Fr. Tony’s Mid-week Message

July 29, 2015

“In drawing up its regulations we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.  … Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation.  It is bound to be narrow at the outset.  But as we progress in the way of life and faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with inexpressible delight of love.” 

                           (Rule of St. Benedict, tr. Joan Chittister)

If you feel you are spinning your wheels, or just getting by in your spiritual life, you may want to consider to try a rule of life.  A rule of life is a way to focus our energies and efforts.  Reflecting on various areas, you might want to evaluate where you are now and then design first, small steps for advancing in them: 

1)   The Holy Eucharist—how often do I attend and receive Communion?  Every Sunday, a couple times a month?  What about during the week?

2)   Prayer—when and how often do I pray?  In the morning? The evening?  Before I sleep?  Do I use the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) or some other prayer cycle as a way of making my reflection on holy things systematic? Do I have quiet time where I pour out my hopes and fears and thanks to God? 

3)   Bible and other spiritual reading—when and how often am I going to read the Bible?  Each day?  As a study with notes, or devotionally as part of Daily Prayer?  Do I use lectio divina?  Do I do it as part of a prayer or study group? 

4)   Giving—how much can I commit to giving to others?  A tithe?  Will I divide this between the church and other charities?  When do I review my giving?  Can I make a small commitment to increase my giving as a percentage of my income, and then gradually grow it? 

5)   Confession—will I make sacramental confession to a priest?  Will I talk to someone else about my own spiritual journey?  How often?  Will I find and then regularly talk with a spiritual director?  

6)   Mission—how often do I share my hope and faith with others?  In action?  In words? 

7)   Retreat—will I make a spiritual retreat once each year?  For a day, a weekend, or longer? 

8)   The creation—how will I be a good steward of the natural world God has entrusted to me?  How can I honor the earth and care for her?  How can I better care for my body?  More exercise?  Better habits in eating and drinking? 

9)   Family and friends—how much time will I commit to other people?  How will I keep in touch with those I seldom see?  How can I keep my relationships alive and healthy?  

10)                  Rest—How will I take my rest?  How much sleep do I need?  How do I treat my body with respect? 

These are a few suggestions, adapted from Lift up Your Hearts (SPCK, 2010).   Think about it and see what you come up with. 

Grace and Peace. 

Fr. Tony+