Throughout history, many Christians have adopted what is often called a “Rule of Life.” Such a set of spiritual disciplines was a standard part of the formation for monastic communities throughout history. However, many have benefitted from following the practices to reinforce and stretch the values that they aspire toward.
The wisdom of such practices is that we are learning the ropes directly from those who have come before us, rather than attempting to invent our own. A contemplative community both learns and teaches one another on how to grow in these regular practices. Together, they are able to establish a core pattern that anyone can emulate as they learn how to listen to and follow the Spirit of Christ.
The following is an example Rule of Life:
- Following the Daily Office (Fixed-hour Prayers).
- Setting aside time daily for solitude, stillness and silence (The 3 S’s).
- Meditation on Scripture (Lectio Divina, Chanting Psalms, Scripture Prayers, etc.)
- Spiritual Meditation (Visio Divina, Imaginative Prayer, Centering Prayer, Breath prayers, etc.)
- Practicing regular confession with a Spiritual Companion (Unburdening our souls with a trusted friend).
- Meeting regularly with a trained Spiritual Director (Learning spiritual discernment and maturity from an experienced guide).
- Following the Prayer of Examen (Practicing the discernment of one’s own heart and motives).
- Daily Thankfulness Practice (Welcoming wonder and gratitude into our daily life).
- Awareness Practice (Centering prayer, Spiritual walks, time in nature, keeping a spiritual journal, etc.)
- Generosity (Learning to relinquish the hold that our time and resources has on us).
- Re-creation & Renewal (Prioritizing soul care, Sabbath, and other embodied practices that keep us grounded.)
- Simplicity (Removing things from our lives that hinder spiritual intimacy and drag us back into compulsive behaviors).