Joshua Bennett
A Catholic rule of life is a set of practices and relational rhythms that help individuals create space in their lives to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what he did. It is a roadmap to spiritual development and a means to achieve inner peace by aligning one's schedule with their values. While there is no right way to make a rule of life, it typically involves daily prayer, reflection on one's vocation, and the development of a schedule to fulfill responsibilities in a consistent and orderly manner. It is a dynamic and working document that should be regularly reviewed and adjusted to match one's stage in life and spiritual journey. By writing and following a Catholic rule of life, individuals can strive to live virtuously, joyfully, and in alignment with their deepest passions and priorities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| A roadmap to spiritual development and overcoming defects | A guide for how to live daily life |
| A schedule and set of practices and relational rhythms | A means to be with Jesus, become like him, and do what he did |
| A tool to create space in a busy world to be with Jesus | A means to inner peace when a schedule is aligned with values |
| A response to God | A means of sanctification |
| A guide to help you become | A way to foster an integrated and embodied life of faith |
| A way to bring order, freedom, peace, and balance | A way to live a life of virtue |
| A way to be reminded of who we are, who God is, and what our lives are about | A way to be rescued from selfishness, distraction, and pragmatism |
| A way to be intentional about the forces and dynamics that shape who we are becoming | A way to be excited by the possibility of a renewed relationship with God |
| A way to be faithful while creating a routine | A way to be flexible and leave room for spontaneity |
| A way to create a daily rhythm | A way to reflect on your vocation |
| A way to define your duties and set time aside for each of your daily tasks | A way to develop a schedule for fulfilling responsibilities in a consistent and orderly way |
| A way to be reminded of what matters | A way to make time for daily prayer |
| A way to create habits and rhythms in daily life | A way to be reminded of what brings you life with God and others |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the purpose of a Catholic rule of life
A Catholic rule of life is a set of practices and relational rhythms that help followers create space in their busy lives to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what he did—to live "to the full" (John 10:10). It is a roadmap to spiritual development, a means to live a life of virtue, and a way to achieve inner peace.
The concept of a "rule" comes from the Latin word "regula", which means a straight piece of wood or a ruler and, by extension, a pattern or model to follow. It is not meant to be an imposition or a rigid to-do list but rather a life-giving structure for freedom, growth, and joy. It is a dynamic and working document that should be regularly reviewed and updated as life circumstances change.
A Catholic rule of life is relevant to one's state of life, whether single, married, discerning, or celibate. It is a response to God and a means of sanctification. It involves examining one's vocation and the duties it entails, and developing a schedule to fulfil these responsibilities consistently and orderly. It is a guide for how to live one's daily life, helping to bring order, freedom, peace, and balance.
The first example of a Christian rule of life came from the Desert Fathers, a monastic community of mystics living in Egypt around the third century AD. The most well-known rule is the Rule of St. Benedict, which has inspired many communities and individuals to develop their own rules. Other notable rules of life include "A Mother's Rule of Life" by Holly Pierlot and "You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit" by James K. A. Smith.
By creating a rule of life, Catholics can bring structure and intention to their daily lives, fostering a deeper relationship with God and living in alignment with their passions and priorities.
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How to create a Catholic rule of life
A Catholic rule of life is a schedule and set of practices that help one create space in their life to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what he did. It is a roadmap to spiritual development and a means to live life to the fullest. It is not a rigid, legalistic to-do list but a life-giving structure for freedom, growth, and joy.
To create a Catholic rule of life, one must first reflect on their vocation and the duties it entails. This involves examining one's life and identifying the priorities that define their vocation, with the intent to please God. It is important to consider one's season of life and stage of discipleship, especially if one has children or is new to following Jesus.
The next step is to develop a schedule that incorporates daily practices and rhythms. This includes designating time for prayer, meditation, and gratitude before the Lord, as well as praying for others. It is recommended to have a consistent time for daily prayer. One can also include practices such as silent meditation with a text, scripture reading, or spiritual reading. Additionally, it is important to make time for rest and spontaneity to maintain a healthy balance in one's life.
The rule of life should be relevant to one's state of life, whether single, married, discerning, or celibate. It should guide individuals towards meeting Christ within the framework of their lives. For example, a husband and father may include practices in his rule of life to love his wife and children better, while being aware of his own shortcomings and temptations.
It is also beneficial to seek inspiration from existing rules of life, such as the well-known Rule of St. Benedict, which was created to help monks translate their faith into their daily habits and rhythms. Other resources, such as books and podcasts, can provide guidance and ideas for developing a Catholic rule of life.
Lastly, it is important to remember that a rule of life is a working document that should be regularly reviewed and adjusted as life changes. This ensures that it remains aligned with one's spiritual growth and journey towards God.
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Prayer and meditation
When incorporating prayer and meditation into your rule of life, it is important to set aside dedicated time for these practices. Morning prayer, for example, can be a powerful way to start your day by offering it to God. This can be done through formal prayers or by praying in your own words. Throughout the day, cultivate a sense of God's presence by reminding yourself that He is always with you. This can be as simple as pausing for a moment to lift your thoughts to Him.
In addition to morning prayer, make time for daily prayer and meditation within your schedule, preferably at a consistent time. This can include gratitude and intercession, as well as silent meditation on Scripture or spiritual readings. If you are just beginning to explore silence and solitude, start small and gradually incorporate these practices into your routine. Remember that children can also be a reminder to create a rule of life that is adaptable and allows for spontaneity.
Catholic meditation can take on various forms. You can meditate on the devotion of the saints, the beauty of God's creation, or ask God questions and listen for His response. If you don't feel drawn to a specific type of meditation, focusing on Jesus Christ is a recommended practice. This can be done by meditating on His love and mercy or by following the liturgical seasons, such as the Stations of the Cross during Lent.
Incorporating prayer and meditation into your rule of life will help you stay connected to God and grounded in your faith. It provides an opportunity for spiritual discipline and growth while also creating a sense of peace and freedom in your daily life. Remember that your rule of life is a living document that can be regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure it aligns with your spiritual journey.
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Making it relevant to your life stage
A Catholic Rule of Life is a personal guide for how to live your daily life, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is a broad standard that you use to decide which habits to form, what virtues you need to work on, and what your life stage requires of your regimen. For example, a priest's rule of life would be very different from a laywoman's, and a married person's would likely differ from a single person's.
When making your Rule of Life relevant to your life stage, it is important to reflect on your vocation and duties. A Rule of Life is a response to God and a means of sanctification. It is a way to organize your vocation and the priorities that define it, with the intention to please God. For instance, a mother's duties may include prayer, person (herself), partner (spouse), parent, and provider. By creating a routine and designating specific times for each aspect of her life, she can bring order, freedom, peace, and balance to her life.
If you have young children, it is advisable to start small and be gentle with yourself. Recognize that your time is not your own, and that your children can shape you into a person of love. Instead of copying someone who is more advanced in their spiritual journey, focus on taking the next step in your own journey. Incorporate a healthy balance of upstream and downstream practices. Upstream practices may include prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading, while downstream practices are those that you find fun, life-giving, easy, and joyful.
Your Rule of Life should be a working document that is regularly reviewed and updated as your life circumstances change. For example, a mother may need to tweak her routine as her children grow and their needs evolve. It is essential to maintain a healthy balance between structure and spontaneity, ensuring that your Rule of Life remains flexible and adaptable to new seasons of life.
Remember, your Rule of Life is not meant to be a rigid imposition but rather a life-giving structure for freedom, growth, and joy. It is a means to foster an integrated and embodied life of faith, intentionally shaping who you are becoming.
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Reviewing and adapting your rule of life
A Catholic rule of life is a personal guide for spiritual development and overcoming defects. It is a roadmap for how to live your daily life, and it should be reviewed and adapted as you grow and change.
When reviewing and adapting your rule of life, it is important to remember that it is a working document. Life is ever-changing, and your rule of life should be regularly reviewed to ensure it is still bringing you closer to God and others. Ask yourself: is this rule still serving me? Is it helping me to meet Christ within the framework of my life? Am I still able to abide by it, or does it need to be adjusted to fit my current circumstances?
For example, if you are a parent, your rule of life may change as your children grow and develop. Each new stage may bring new nap times, developmental changes, and different needs. Your rule of life should be flexible enough to accommodate these changes while still providing a solid structure for your spiritual growth.
It is also important to remember that your rule of life is unique to you and your particular circumstances. A priest's rule of life will look very different from that of a layperson, and a married person's rule will likely differ from that of a single person. Your rule should match your own struggles and challenges and guide you towards meeting Christ within your own life.
Finally, when adapting your rule of life, consider incorporating some best practices such as morning prayer, sabbath, church on Sunday, and regular rest. These practices can provide a solid foundation for your spiritual journey. You may also want to refer to the Rule of St. Benedict, which has inspired many individuals to develop their own rules of life.
Remember, your rule of life is a dynamic and flexible tool to help you grow closer to God and become more like Christ. Review and adapt it as needed to ensure it continues to serve you well on your spiritual journey.
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic rule of life is a schedule and set of practices that help guide the way you live your daily life. It is a roadmap to your spiritual development and a way to create space in your world to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what he did.
There is no "right" way to make a Catholic rule of life, but there are some best practices to follow. These include morning prayer, sabbath, church on Sunday, and regular rest. You can make your rule as simple or complex as you like and you can write it down, put it on a wall, or program it into a spreadsheet.
Your Catholic rule of life should be relevant to your state of life, whether you are single, married, discerning, or celibate. It should include time for daily prayer and meditation, and it should be reviewed regularly to ensure it is still bringing you life with God and others.
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