Creating a Rule of Life
As the culmination of our summer series on spiritual practices, we explored the practice of creating a Rule of Life—an intentional framework for nurturing your relationship with God, yourself, and the world around you.
A Rule of Life is not a list of rules, but a personal rhythm of practices and commitments that can help you live more intentionally and make space for what matters most.
Want to create your own? We’ve gathered worksheets and resources to guide you through the process, whether you joined us for worship or are exploring the practice for the first time, we invite you to join in!
Click the links below to download the following resources:
Rule of Life Handout
Discover vibrant reflections on spiritual disciplines to inspire your journey! Use these insights to shape a colorful Rule of Life—intentional practices that nurture your connection with God, neighbor, and yourself.
🎶 MUSIC connects us to God and each other, calming our minds and opening our hearts. Make time to listen or sing each day.
🤝 SERVICE is love in action. Volunteer, help a neighbor, or use your gifts to bless others.
🙏 PRAYER is simply talking and listening to God throughout the day to grow in our faith. Practices include prayer beads, prayer partners, breath prayer, fixed-hour prayer, and contemplative prayer.
🕊️ RELINQUISHING OUR FALSE SELF means releasing pride and old habits so we can grow into our true identity in Christ. Practices include self-examination, discernment, silence, and spiritual direction
🌳 SOLITUDE lets us step away from distraction and listen for God’s voice by scheduling uninterrupted time in a distraction-free environment to be alone with God.
🎵 WORSHIP connects us with God and others. Make time regularly to praise and give thanks with celebration, gratitude, Holy Communion, and taking a sabbath.
🌿 CREATION We are caretakers and stewards of all God has made. Practices include planting flowers or a garden, taking a walk, hike, or bike ride, or simply sit outside and marvel at God’s creation.
💗 LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by offering others a taste of God’s life-changing love through compassion, humility, justice, and stewardship.
🇻🇦HEAR GOD’S WORD through Bible study, devotional reading, or meditation.
👥 SMALL GROUPS offer support, encouragement, and growth. Join others to share, pray, serve, and build faith together.
😇 SPIRITUAL DIRECTION is working with someone specially trained to help you hear and respond to God’s call on your life.
🧘♀️SELF-CARE honors God through nurturing and protecting the body, mind, and spirit through rest, retreat, slowing down, and unplugging.
🌟 Reflect & Respond 🌟
-
Which practices resonate most with you?
-
Where do you sense God inviting you to grow?
-
How can you weave these disciplines into your daily, weekly, or monthly rhythm?
CRAFTING YOUR RULE OF LIFE
Start with prayer. Check in with God and see what rhythms and practices you feel would grow your relationship.
Reflect on your daily life:
-
When do you feel closest to God?
-
When do you feel most distracted or distant?
-
What helps you remember God’s presence?
After you’ve taken that inventory, craft a simple, flexible Rule of Life. For example:
-
Set aside time each morning for prayer or Scripture.
-
Commit to weekly worship and regular service.
-
Practice gratitude at the end of each day.
-
Build in moments of silence or Sabbath rest.
Remember, a Rule of Life is not about perfection. It’s about intention. It can be adjusted as seasons change. The key is simply finding ways to connect with God in the midst of life.
Rule of Life Creation Worksheet
Use this worksheet to prayerfully design your own Rule of Life—a set of spiritual practices that shape your daily living and help you grow in your relationship with God and others. Reflect on each section, drawing inspiration from your own spiritual journey.
1. Guiding Scripture or Theme
What Bible verse, passage, or spiritual theme will anchor your Rule of Life? Write it here:
2. Core Values and Intentions
What values or intentions do you want to shape your life (e.g., compassion, integrity, gratitude)?
List 3–5 core values:
3. Spiritual Practices
Consider which disciplines you will include (see handout) and how.
DAILY PRACTICES:
WEEKLY PRACTICES:
MONTHLY PRACTICES:
QUARTERLY PRACTICES:
ANNUAL PRACTICES:
4. Rhythm & Review
How often will you review or adjust your Rule of Life (monthly, quarterly, annually)?
Who can support and encourage you in keeping your Rule?
5. My Rule of Life Summary
In a few sentences, summarize your intentions and practices for living out your faith.
Remember: A Rule of Life is a living document. Let it guide you with grace, not guilt. Allow the Holy Spirit to shape, refine, and renew your Rule as you grow in faith.