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Writing a Rule of Life for Associates of OSH |
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| Associates team: (left to right) Ellen Francis, OSH; Ann Prentice, OSH; Claire Tenny, n/OSH |
You may already have certain spiritual practices that you follow, and there may be others that you have thought about trying. Writing down the spiritual practices that you intend to follow is a helpful way to make a commitment to sustain these practices. A rule of life should be drawn up and discussed from time to time with a spiritual advisor.
A rule of life should be neither too easy nor too stringent. If the rule is too easy, it probably won’t help very much to support your spiritual growth, and if it is too stringent, you may find that it is difficult to keep and then it may quench the spirit of joy in prayer and in spirit. Remember that a rule of life is intended to be an aid to growth in the love of God and in the love of neighbor and of oneself.
There may be times of extra work and stress that you may need to put aside certain parts of your rule. On the other hand, you may find that making an extra effort to sustain your prayer and practices at such times will help to carry you through. Remember that if you do fall away from your rule, you can always take up those practices again or you can amend your rule, in discussion with your advisor, so that it remains supportive and helpful to you in your spiritual journey.
A. Corporate prayer
In the corporate worship of the Church we nourish and sustain one another in our life in Christ. Care should be taken to avail ourselves of opportunities to be united in and with the Body of Christ in order to acknowledge the holiness of God, to hear God’s Word, to offer prayer, and to celebrate the sacraments. Regular participation in Sunday worship, as well as on weekdays when possible, is of primary importance.
B. Individual prayer
Prayer is listening to and responding to God by thought, word, and deed, with or without words, through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Consider regular times and places for the offering of adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition. You may consider using the Daily Offices in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), or the “Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families,” BCP, p. 137 ff. You may also find certain types of prayer to be helpful to you as a regular practice, such as saying the rosary, silent prayer, lectio divina.
C. Repentance and reconciliation
Repentance and reconciliation include a regular examination of conscience with emphasis on living in love of God, love of neighbor, and of yourself. This may include the sacrament of reconciliation, using one of the forms in the BCP, p. 447 ff.
D. Fasting and abstinence
Fasting or abstinence or other forms of self-denial are found useful by many people, but are a hindrance to some who find it difficult to judge what is the proper place for these in their lives. It is well to discuss this area carefully with your spiritual advisor and, if appropriate, with your doctor. Your plan should take into account your health, the demands of your daily life, and the practice of the church to which you belong.
E. Devotional reading
Regular reading, study, and lectio divina (meditation) on Holy Scripture and other spiritual books are an enriching part of our spiritual life.
F. Stewardship
Stewardship includes regular giving of a portion of your time, talents, and financial resources to your church and to the support the Order of St. Helena, as appropriate to your circumstances.
For more information on becoming an associate, contact the OSH Sister for the Associates: