This week, begin developing your own Rule of Life.
As we shared in worship yesterday (sermon link), a Rule of Life, originating from the Latin term regula, is a set of spiritual disciplines or practices that followers of Jesus adopt to support their spiritual growth. The Rule of Life serves as a guidepost or a trellis, providing structure, guidance, and stability, helping to cultivate a hospitable environment for spiritual growth. (Think a trellis for ivy or a stake for a tomato plant.) A Rule of Life can include a regular rhythm of prayer, scripture reading, silence, fasting, Sabbath, worship, and other activities that help to keep the heart open to the divine.
We offered several examples, including that of Dorothy Day, St. Benedict of Nursia, and Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes. You can find her Rule of Life here. (Notice how her Rule of Life moves beyond the spiritual dimension, understanding how body, mind, and soul are integrated.)
We also shared the Rule of Life developed by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
His Rule of Life, as outlined below, helped keep his inner life in order such that his outer life toward justice and reconciliation was as pointed, purposeful, and effective as possible. It’s what helped the dream come alive.
The Rev. Dr. King knew the struggle for freedom would be long and tiresome, and the work would need to be sustained, so he developed this rule or rhythm to be sustained, attentive, and attuned to the presence of God in his work for justice and peace.
Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory.
Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.
Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all might be free.
Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
Seek to perform regular service for others and the world.
Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
Follow the directions of the movement and the captains of a demonstration.
Your Rule of Life doesn't have to look like this; it can be as unique as you are.
To help you get started, here's a one-page worksheet from womanist theologian and psychologist Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes to help you discern how you might begin.
Or, for a more straightforward option, simply try one new practice for two weeks. It might be committing to daily scripture reading, fasting from technology, taking a mindful walk outside, or spending a few minutes in silence each day. There's no wrong way to do this!
And if you want some help discerning and developing your Rule of Life, we'd always love to discuss it with you. Remember, this is only a starting point; you get to set the pace.