Developing a Rhythm of Life – Part I
Last year I developed what is known as a rule of life or what some call a rhythm of life, which is as Marjorie Thompson says, "is a pattern of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness. When we speak of patterns in our life, we mean attitudes, behaviors, or elements that are routine, repeated, regular. Indeed, the Latin term for "rule" is regula, from which our words regular and regulate derive."
Another quote that will help you think about what a rule or rhythm of life is all about comes from Marjorie Thompson, where she says, “The caterpillar must yield up the life it knows and submit to the mystery of interior transformation. It emerges from the process transfigured, with wings that give it freedom to fly. A rule of life gives us a way to enter into the life-long process of personal transformation. Its disciplines help us to shed the familiar but constricting old self and allow our new self in Christ to be formed the true self that is naturally attracted to the light of God.”
As I lay out my rhythm of life for this coming year, I will be looking developing a rule for these eight categories: God, Prayer, Work, Study, Community, Body, Outward and Hospitality. These categories come from a book entitled Living Faith Day by Day by Debra Farrington. So as I share with you my rhythm of life, I hope you will take the time to develop a rhythm of life in each of these areas as well. I will give a little guidance as we embark on this journey together.
Great reminder. I think we will always be creatures of rhythm, won’t we? If we don’t choose our own rhythm, it will be a chaotic rhythm will be foisted upon us by the cacophony of voices that surround us.
A minor point – since all the rest of your categories are nouns, shouldn’t it be “outwardness?” lol…
Joshua,
You are so right, we are creatures of rhythm and if don’t find ours, voices other than the Lord will most certainly capture us. Good point on the “outwardness”. I guess I’ll have to write Debra.
Why do I suspect that Debra won’t care what I think?
What have you found to be the greatest challenges to having a God-directed rhythm?
I look forward to your posts on this topic. I’ve been intentionally working out rhythms for spiritual disciplines in my life, too.
I think it’s hard for modern people to do this because we’re detached from the rhythms of nature and seasons. It’s also hard for evangelicals who’ve discarded liturgical seasons and disciplines.
Already I’ve become more able to discern the Spirit’s call to prayer at various times of the day.
Kathy,
It’s good to hear that you are looking forward to posts on this topic. And you are so right about how typically evangelicals have not paid attention to some of the rich practices that have been developed in the history of the people of God. That is cool that you are discerning the Spirit’s call to prayer at various times in the day. I hope this series proves helpful to you and others in our journey. Thanks for the encouragement.