Personal Rule of Life

A personal rule of life is a framework that can help release each of us to become more Christ-like.

A framework for becoming more Christ-like

A personal rule of life is a framework that can help release each of us to become more Christ-like. It is a response to God’s love and grace, a response which comes out of gratitude.

Here you will find information about a simple Personal Rule of Life that has been developed to help us be disciples who receive, walk in, and reflect Christ’s light.

Throughout the ages, Christ’s followers have discovered that receiving Christ’s light has the power to change us and, as we are changed, so others can change too. A simple commitment to specific actions can help to free us to focus on what really matters and release us to live more fruitfully. In its monastic form, a rule of life is observed by whole communities, subject to vows and formal accountability. A personal rule of life can be more flexible and is subject to a different kind of accountability.

An Invitation

We invite you to reflect on your current rhythm and notice what is helping you to become more Christ-like and what might be unhelpful. Consider each strand of the vision and seek to identify one thing you might affirm or introduce in your life – a specific daily, weekly, monthly or annual routine or discipline.

Don’t rush. Take time to relax and be quiet. Open yourself to God’s guidance. How is God affirming you? How is God challenging you to grow?

Some questions you might ask

Receiving:

How and when do I pray?
How do I listen to God?
What nourishes and energises me?
What stops me from receiving God’s grace?

Walking:

What difference does being a follower of Jesus make in your life and relationships?
How might you take a step closer to the teaching and example of Jesus and the apostles?

Reflecting:

What do my everyday life and words say to my family, work colleagues, friends and neighbours during the week?
How does my life contribute to God’s kingdom of love and justice?

You may find it helpful to talk this through with a trusted friend, spiritual accompanier, minister, or group.

When you’ve decided on your responses you might like to record them on your Personal Rule of Life Commitment card (see below). As you do so, commit your intention to God and continue to ask for God’s help and grace.

A Personal Rule of Life can be most liberating when you share your experience of living by it with someone else. As your rule becomes part of your natural rhythm helping you to grow, it will be good, from time to time, to review and modify it accordingly.