The beauty of a ‘Rule of life’ by deb kennedy
About 15 years ago, I became interested in Benedictine spiritual practices after reading the book ‘Heroic Leadership’ by Chris Lowney and a poem shared by Kate Young Wilder, “Always We Begin Again'“. I have a varied Christian background, but found the impact of the early Benedictines on education and learning to be amazingly interesting. Their gentle way of orderly faith practice and non-intrusive service was intriguing. This exploration led me to other authors - Esther de Waal, Richard Rohr, John Mcquiston and Jane Tomaine are just a few.
St. Benedict created a Rule for the monastery he established which was centered around a daily rhythm of prayer and work. Each day, monks would pause 7 times for prayer and the rest of the day they would work joyfully at the tasks at hand. The emphasis was on being with God in all things. For a simple and easy to read, very poetic contemporary version of the Rule, John Mcquiston’s book, ‘Always We Begin Again’ is a gem.
A rule of life is a set of practices and relational rhythms to help order our thoughts and actions. It has been the most impactful practice for spiritual growth I have found. It involves becoming intentional about the ways in which you live life and relate to God. A rule of life adds faith ‘practices’ - ways of being and doing that over time become as easy as breathing.
Practices I have included over the year include waking with an intentional first thought and short haiku thanking God for the new day ahead and checking in again in a Dawn, Day, Dusk and Dark pattern. I also spend time in centering prayer , and use a practice called ‘Lectio Divina’ to spend time with God in his word ( a favorite practice). I learned many valuable faith practices through a former pastor - walking and talking with God, praying the Psalms, writing to God, just being without the need to do.
For the past 2 years, Kate and I have been connecting each week to share our journey in ‘praying in color’ in which we keep wonderful books filled with sketches, collected poems and quotes, scripture, delight, and key wisdom. It has been an amazing new level of friendship in faith that I had not experienced. I think that this is what God intends for us.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will share with you some of what we have experienced together as we have grown close in faith and friendship. I hope you enjoy coming along on this journey!