Print/Download Daily Rule of Life template - (Google Drive | PDF)
...we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul...
Hebrews 6:18-19
In light of the global pandemic that is COVID-19 and the recent limiting of all gatherings over 10 people, it’s easy to get bored, burnt out, or stir-crazy. Hebrews 6 reminds us though that one thing we can hold fast to is the presence and power of Jesus.
One ancient tool to hold fast to Him is a rule of life.
A rule of life is a practical way to schedule the coming days around what matters most: the teachings and practices of Jesus. One author calls developing a rule of life as living with “a well-ordered heart.” Right now when it feels like everything is disordered and the world is shifting every day, one thing we can bring into order is our inner lives. Keeping a rule of life is one way we do just that.
Note, these are not “rules for life,” with an emphasis on “if I don’t do this, Jesus will love me less.” Rather, a rule of life is grounded in the reality that you are already loved and accepted by the God of the universe, and this tool simply creates a framework to build spiritual practices into your life so you can experience His love in your life every day.
While this tool slightly varies from tradition to tradition, developing a rule of life typically includes three main things to anchor your day: [1]
Abiding: how you will spend time with Jesus (Bible reading, prayer, confession, singing)
Resting: how you will rest (sleep, Sabbath, exercise, limiting screen time/escapist tendencies)
Community: how you will spend time with others (family, LifeGroups, missional friendships)
It’s also important to note that a rule of life is meant to work for you, with lots of flexibility to accommodate your season of life. So, for example, if you’re single and live alone, your rule of life will look different than a college student, or parents with young kids, or an empty nester. Likewise, your wiring will impact how you write your rule of life. If you think more big picture, this will reflect itself in your rule of life. If you’re more detail-oriented, it will be more helpful for you to get very practical as you write your rule of life.
A final word on rule of life, try not to introduce too many new practices at once. Instead, create small “wins” that are attainable to create both momentum and sustainability in your spiritual formation. After writing your rule of life, ask your LifeGroup to give you feedback.
Below are some examples of what a daily rule of life can look like during the quarantine, followed by a template to help you get started. Once you’ve written out your daily rule of life, put it somewhere visible - your bathroom mirror, your fridge, your phone’s lock screen - and email us here so we can share our ideas with one another.
Lastly, if you’re new to the spiritual practices, check out FollowingJesusTogether.com
Print/Download Daily Rule of Life template - (Google Drive | PDF)
Daily Rule of Life for Singles - Example
Abiding
Wake up at the same time every day, make coffee, spend time with Jesus in Scripture and prayer (currently using the Lent Guide) before looking at my phone
Examen Prayer before bed
Rest
Limit entertainment - social media two days a week (Instagram Mondays and Facebook Fridays), watch TV and movies with friends -- try not to binge TV alone
Put my phone in the kitchen before I get ready for bed, try to be asleep by 11pm
Community
Daily walk with a friend who lives close
Porch dinners with my neighbor
Call, FaceTime, or Marco Polo with a good friend
Check in with someone from LifeGroup
Daily Rule of Life for Marrieds with Kids - Example
(see also Parenting Resources)
Abiding
Wake up before kids to work through the Lent Guide
Spend some time praying for our family to make it through the day
Examen Prayer with spouse each night
Rest
If possible, 7-8 hours of sleep, try to be in bed by 10 - wind-down away from phone for last 30 minutes
20 minutes of exercise each day - jog or walk around the neighborhood
Check the news once a day
Community
No phone when with kids from 4pm-bedtime
Sync-up with spouse for 15 minutes without screens each day
Play with all the kids for at least an hour to give spouse time to abide and rest
Check-in with LifeGroup
A great book to familiarize yourself with rule of life is The Common Rule by Justin Earley.
[1] You can find a full version of a rule of life template with categories here - midtowncolumbia.com/blog/developing-a-rule-of-life