Balancing Spiritual Wellbeing in Our Busy Lives

LEN LEN Reflections 2025 Reflections 2025 Spiritual Wellbeing Spiritual Wellbeing How to balance our busy lives. 7:30pm Wednesday evenings Session 1: 12th March: What is Spiritual Wellbeing? Session 2: 19th March: Building Blocks of Spirituality Session 3:26th March: A 21st Century Virtual Urban Abbey Session 4: 2nd April: Aids and Tools to deepening our walk with Jesus Session 5: 9th April: Committing to Spiritual Wellbeing

Session 1 I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch

Background living with the curse: We desperately need Spirituality I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch to get the money to buy the food to give me the strength to dig the ditch. I dig the ditch Meaning & Purpose A larger reality - Transcendence Morality, Fairness & Justice Flourishing & Joy Guidance Fellowship

Session 2 Part 1: Part 1: The characteristics of Christian spirituality? 1. Devotion to God discipleship of Jesus 2. Humility and Faith 3. Love & generosity 4. Trust in God - not wealth, security etc. 5. Sustained by the Holy Spirit

Session 2 Part 2: Part 2: The building blocks of a spiritual life. 1. Prayer 2. The Bible 3. Worship 4. Fellowship 5. Active Service 6. Witness 7. Discipline 8. Growth

Session 3 Exploring the concept of a Rule of Life to guide our spiritual formation.

Session 3 Part 1. Biblical Basis for a Rule of Life Part 2. Examples in Ancient and Modern Traditions Part 3. What does a Rule of Life look like? Part 4. Developing a personal Rule of Life

A Rule of Life is a structured framework of spiritual disciplines and practices that help individuals or communities align their daily lives with the values and priorities of the Gospel. It is a way of ordering the building blocks we discussed last week.

Part 1. Biblical Basis for a Rule of Life Though the term itself is not found in Scripture, the concept is deeply rooted in biblical principles.

1. Intentional Discipleship and Order Paul compares the Christian life to that of an athlete, emphasizing discipline, self-control, and purpose: I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) A Rule of Life provides this kind of structured discipline, helping believers stay spiritually focused.

2. Rhythms of Prayer and Devotion Daniel maintained a disciplined pattern of prayer three times a day, reflecting a regular rhythm that structured his relationship with God. He went to his room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed. (Daniel 6:10)

3. Abiding in Christ Jesus calls His disciples to abide in Him as branches in the vine, emphasizing consistency and intentionality in remaining connected to Him. Abide in me, and I in you... apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5) A Rule of Life provides a way to intentionally remain in Christ through habitual practices.

4. Structured Community Life The early Christian community followed a shared pattern of worship, fellowship, prayer, and breaking bread: They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42-47)

5. Transformation Through Renewal Paul calls believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds . (Romans 12:2) A Rule of Life helps facilitate this transformation by establishing intentional practices that shape thoughts, habits, and affections toward God.

6. Oriented for Godly impact on the world Jesus calls us do be doers and not hearers only. A Rule of Life helps us see the world as God sees it and act accordingly. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me . Matthew 25:40

Part 2. Examples of Rules of Life in Ancient and Modern Traditions It is about 1500 years old but is also a modern evangelical practice. Ancient and then modern examples

Ancient examples

1. The Rule of St. Benedict (c. 540 AD) Structure: Divided into 73 short chapters, the Rule prescribes a balanced life of prayer (ora), work (labora), and study (lectio divina). Core Practices: Communal and private prayer (Divine Office) Manual labor and hospitality Stability, obedience, and humility Key Verse: That in all things God may be glorified. (1 Peter 4:11) Impact: Formed the foundation for Western monasticism and is still followed by Benedictine and Cistercian communities today.

2. The Rule of St. Basil (4th Century AD) Focus: Emphasized communal life and care for the poor with a deep commitment to prayer and theological study. Core Practices: Communal prayer and fasting Service to the poor and sick Living in community with humility and simplicity Impact: Influenced Eastern Orthodox monasticism and remains a foundation for the monastic life in the Eastern Church.

3. The Rule of St. Augustine (5th Century AD) Purpose: Encouraged a life of brotherly love and simplicity rooted in charity and unity. Core Practices: Sharing possessions in common A commitment to communal prayer and work Obedience to spiritual authority Impact: Used by Augustinian canons, Dominicans, and various other communities.

4. Celtic Monastic Rule (6th-7th Century AD) Emphasis: Embraced by Irish and Scottish monastic communities like Iona, emphasizing hospitality, creativity, and pilgrimage. Core Practices: Deep connection to nature and creation Hospitality to strangers and pilgrims Spiritual disciplines of silence, prayer, and fasting Impact: Influenced missionary efforts in Northern Europe and beyond.

5. The Franciscan Rule (1223 AD) Emphasis: Emphasized radical poverty, simplicity, and care for creation in imitation of Christ. Core Practices: Living without personal possessions Serving the poor and marginalized Preaching the Gospel through both words and actions Impact: Inspired the Franciscan and Poor Clare movements, with lasting influence in both Catholic and Protestant traditions.

Modern examples

1. Rule of Life at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB, London, UK) Emphasis: Encourages individuals to develop a personal Rule of Life that integrates worship, service, rest, and growth. Core Practices: Daily prayer and Bible reading Regular engagement in small group fellowship Mission and outreach through Alpha and other initiatives

2. Bridgetown Church (Portland, Oregon, USA) Emphasis: Encourages a Rule of Life that fosters intentional living amid a chaotic modern culture. Core Practices: Silence and solitude Sabbath keeping and simplicity Practicing hospitality and justice Impact: Equips believers to resist hurried consumer culture and embrace a countercultural life modeled after Jesus.

3. The Rule of Life in the 24-7 Prayer Movement Emphasis: Emphasizes prayer, mission, and justice as core disciplines. Core Practices: Continuous prayer and intercession Radical hospitality and care for the poor Engagement in creative expressions of worship.

4. The Methodist Rule of Life (from John Wesleys General Rules, 18th Century) Emphasis: A life of personal holiness and social action. Core Practices: Doing no harm and avoiding evil Doing good and serving others Attending to the means of grace (prayer, Scripture, fasting). Impact: Forms the basis of the Methodist movement and modern evangelical spiritual accountability.

Part 3. What does a Rule of Life look like? Example of the Rule of Life from St George s Episcopal Church, Arlington, Virginia. The Urban Abbey

The Urban Abbey Rule of Life With the intention of drawing closer to God, I will, with God's help: Pray and read the Bible daily, guided by the Lectionary or another Christian format; Worship regularly in community; Pursue a specific spiritual formation activity annually; Serve others in the broader community, specifically the poor; Share in the tasks of my worshiping community with a welcoming heart; Be mindful of God in my daily work; and Promote justice and peace, seeking Christ in everyone I meet.

Part 4. Developing a personal Rule of Life A Rule of Life is a prayerfully crafted framework that helps you intentionally order your daily life around spiritual priorities, values, and practices. It s not about adding burdens but about creating space for God s transforming presence in all areas of your life. Key Goal: To cultivate a life that reflects Jesus teaching in John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Rule of Life (Hand out) Step 1: Reflect on Your Calling and Season of Life Step 2: Identify Key Areas of Life Step 3: Craft Your Practices for Each Area Step 4: Write Your Rule of Life Template Tips for Success Pitfalls and Dangers

Find time during the current week to reflect on your spiritual wellbeing and the rest of your life and consider developing your own Rule of Life using the handout. Chat with someone. Prayer Grace Close

LEN LEN Reflections 2025 Reflections 2025 Spiritual Wellbeing Spiritual Wellbeing How to balance our busy lives. 7:30pm Wednesday evenings Session 1: 12th March: What is Spiritual Wellbeing? Session 2: 19th March: Building Blocks of Spirituality Session 3:26th March: A 21st Century Virtual Urban Abbey Session 4:2nd April: Review + Aids and Tools Session 5: 9th April: Committing to Spiritual Wellbeing