By Levi Warren
Begin with prayer
Gather together as a Community in a comfortable setting. Spend a moment in silence, in the presence of Jesus and each other. Have one person read Luke 5v15-16 over the group and then pray to ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time together.
Debrief the most recent teaching and Practice
- How would you summarize what the most recent teaching was about?
- What did you take away from the teaching?
- How did it go to fill out the rest of your Rule of Life Domains? What is one thing you’re looking forward to when you think about making changes to your Rule? What is one thing you may be apprehensive about?
Read this overview
Making changes to your Rule of Life is not a solo endeavor. For starters, you have your Community for support, encouragement, and accountability. Not only that, God is with each of us as we seek to follow a Rule of Life that draws us closer to him and shapes us more into the image of Jesus!
Our God is a good Father who delights in giving us wisdom to help us navigate life. James 1v5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
As you look to adjust your Rule, it’s essential that you go to God, asking his Spirit to help lead and guide the process. God knows your season of life and current needs, and he wants to partner with you in crafting your Rule of Life. And remember, the voice of God is loving and encouraging, not condemning. God does not want to shame you about your Rule of Life, but he does want to call you into a deeper relationship with him. It may be that God only speaks to you about one simple area of your Rule right now, and that’s okay!
Discuss the following questions and prompts.
- When have you asked God for wisdom to help you navigate a particular situation or season of life?
- What would it look like to invite God into the process of changing your Rule of Life?
- What is exciting to you about the process of seeking God’s wisdom in your Rule of Life? What makes you feel nervous about trying to hear from God in this way?
Do this Practice right now.
Spend a few moments praying for each community member as they consider making changes to their Rule of Life. Ask the Spirit for guidance and wisdom for each person. If anyone has specific hopes or anxieties about their Rule, ask Jesus to speak about those things as well. Remember, this is a time to listen to and encourage one another, not to critique or judge.
Talk over this coming week’s Practice.
This week, set aside time to reflect quietly with the Spirit of God. Finding a comfortable spot free of distractions will be helpful so that you can listen well. Put away your devices, but have your Rule of Life or journal at hand so that you can take notes of anything God is telling you.
Take a few deep breaths, calm your mind, and invite the Spirit to speak and provide wisdom about your current Rule of Life. Then, sit patiently and listen. If it’s helpful, ask God to speak about each separate Domain of your Rule, inviting him to give you wisdom about anything that needs to be adjusted.
The process of adjusting your Rule does not need to be rushed. When we approach our Rule of Life with a sense of idealism, we can often feel overwhelmed if we think we have to make many changes all at once. Remember, it’s alright if the Spirit only speaks to you about one or two areas of your Rule right now! If you hear anything from the Spirit, take note of it, and thank God for speaking to you and providing wisdom.
Be ready to share your experience and any adjustments you made to your Rule of Life the next time you meet with your Community.
Close in prayer
End in prayer by having one person read the Nicene Creed over the group.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.