What does “Rhythm of Life” mean?

The term and idea of a “Rule of Life” came from St. Benedict around 516-540AD— He wrote a little book towards the end of his life called The Rule of St. Benedict. If this term, “rule of life”, is unfamiliar, it comes from the same Greek word we know of as trellis or vineyard. Just like a trellis, a “rule of life” is something that our life can grow on and become fruitful. Andy Crouch says that a rule of life is- “A set of practices to guard our habits and guide our lives.” The purpose of developing a “rule or rhythm of life” is to move from information and inspiration to spiritual formation.

We recognize that everyone is on their own journey of faith and with that, there are so many factors in our lives that slow us down and accelerate our spiritual growth and formation. That is ok, normal and good. But as the church, we aim to be a consistent encouragement to one another towards progress in our personal and communal journey of faith. We value progress, not perfection. We also recognize that although God sees us as holy dearly loved children, we all, in our current state, are broken individuals in a lifelong vulnerable journey of healing, restoration, and renewal as the Spirit brings about regeneration in our mind, heart, body, soul, and life.

Our hope for you is that you will learn about and integrate some intentional practices into your life that help you grow in your relationship with God, yourself and others. Integrated Spirituality is the approach we are seeking to take together. The purpose of this step is to help you grow into a disciple (disciplined follower) of Jesus Christ. These resources look at our Rhythm (Rule) of Life we are committed to at Society Church which are:

• LIFE TOGETHER: Gathering in community, worshiping and following the way of Jesus together.
• DAILY OFFICE: Set times and practices throughout the day to connect with God.
• SABBATH: A set period of time to stop working and delight in life and God.
• SPIRIT LED LIFE: Learning to live out of an integrated spirituality in all of life.

What does the Bible say about a “Rhythm of Life”?

• Luke 9:23- Then Jesus said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me daily.”
• 1 Timothy 4:7-9- “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.”
• Romans 12:2- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Jesus knew where his source of strength to live an abundant and fulfilling life came from. His source of energy was not gained from the praise of people, the crowds, the adrenaline, the miracles. His source was God, and because of that, Jesus had a regular rhythm of prayer, retreat, rest, and work.

Luke 5:15-16 NIV- “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely (wilderness or desert) places and prayed.”