JR Woodward :: Blog :: Developing a Rhythm of Life - Part 5

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As we continue our series on developing a rhythm of life, let us remember what a rhythm or rule of life is all about.  Marjorie Thompson in Soul Feast puts it this way, "A rule of life is a patter of spiritual disciplines that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness.  When we speak of patterns in our life, we mean attitudes, behaviors, or elements that are routine, repeated, regular.  Indeed, the Latin term for 'rule' is regula, from which our words regular and regulate derive."

We are developing a rhythm of life in the categories that Debra Farrington gives us in her book Living Faith Day by Day.  We have look at the area of God, prayer, and work, now we will look at the area of study.

"Study is not done for mere curiosity for learning but because wisely ordered reading endows the mind with greater steadiness and serves as a basis for the contemplation of God in His Word." - Monks in Bethlehem

"Unless we grasp truth that is both a labor of love and a spiritual discicpline, we are likely to neglect study.  We should therefore support one another in regularly setting aside time for reading..."  - The Rule of the Society of St. John the Evangelist

"In the morning... after the prayers are finished they shall not return right away to their cells, but they shall discuss among themselves the instruction they heard from their housemates." - The Rule of Pachomius

"Our pursuit of knowledge is an expression of love for God's world and the riches of revelation.  As we bring our gifts of imagination and intellect to maturity we are able to glorify God more and more.  - The Rule of the Society of John the Evangelist

Here is my rhythm of life in the area of study for this coming year.  As you read through this, take some time to consider your rhythm of life in the area of study.

Study

• Read everyday and take time to share what I learn with others through my personal interactions and my blog

• Prepare well for each time that I preach, studying the scripture, books as well as surfing the internet

• Engage in group lectio divina during staff meetings and other settings as a way to meditate on the scripture

• Always be ready to learn from others, by asking good questions and listening well

• Take time to study both God’s creation and the city through taking photographs, walking and biking in the city, beach, mountains and desert, talking with people, as well as reading about creation and the city

• Read A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer as well as a little from Henri Nouwen each day, and record the best thoughts on my blog

• Become more aware of the Benedictine, Fransician and Ignatius religious orders and way of life

The next area we will look at in this series is community.