What is a Rule of Life?

While the language of “rule of life,” like the associated concept of “discipline,” may sound harsh or intimidating, it is neither of these things when practiced carefully and graciously. A rule of life is a way of intentionally patterning or structuring the regular rhythms of your life to free you to grow in holiness and Christlikeness. The practice of structuring one’s life with such a rule has a history that dates back at least to the fourth century. In line with much of the Reformation’s attempt to raise the levels of religiosity among all people, the practice of turning intentionally to one’s progress in the Christian life has a rich history in Protestantism. Cranmer’s desire to bring the rhythm of daily prayer out of the monastery and into the parish church is certainly one example. You can also see with the Puritans, the Pietists, early Methodists, and Anglican Evangelicals different routines and habit-building practices that facilitate progress in the Christian life. 

Your personal rule of life expands upon the Society Rule. It is your opportunity to personalize those points in the larger society rule that allow for such modification. It is also your chance to go beyond what the Society Rule expects in cases where such expansions help your growth in holiness. 

How to Write Your Personal Rule

1. Get familiar with the general Society Rule. It will likely help to make the larger headings of your rule the areas of focus for the Society (common prayer and worship; private spiritual exercises; study; mutual support and accountability; evangelism; love of neighbor; generosity; and temperance) 

2. Understand what the Society Rule requires you to personalize. For instance, include how you will prepare for the eucharist. This may require you to look into your tradition’s historic practices for eucharistic preparation. Look at each of the eight areas and figure out what practices need to be specified. 

3. If certain practices from (2) are already deeply ingrained in your regular rhythm of life, you may not need to include them in your rule—but you always can if you want the reminder! You should, however, be very intentional about including practices you do not currently do that you want to take on. 

4. You should be writing your rule in conversation with your sponsor. They should be willing to look over drafts and provide guidance about how it is developing. 

5. As you begin to implement your rule, you will find that you were likely over-eager with specific practices. Your rule must be a living document. When you find certain practices stifling or stressful rather than life-giving, or find yourself consistently neglecting them, you will want to bring these concerns to your collegium and discuss whether you should scale these practices back or stick with them. 

6. These practices in point (5) can take time to become habits and start bearing the fruit of holiness. Many of them are likely to seem unpleasant or difficult at first. Unless the practice is causing physical harm or grave emotional distress, try and stick with them for about six weeks before evaluating whether they are serving their purpose.