RHYTHM OF LIFE

A rhythm of life is a way of arranging your everyday life around being with and becoming more like Jesus. A framework or pattern of spiritual disciplines that helps people live a balanced life and grow in holiness. It’s a way to express a higher, deeper, wider and longer love for God in an ‘organised’ way. In his book practicing the way, John Mark Comer writes, we let God love us into people of love. A rule of life is a way to intentionally allow God to love us and transform us into the people He desires us to be and for each of us to receive life in all its fullness as mentioned in John 10:10. For a community it says this is who we are, this is our story.

The term rule is possibly more familiar to people. The most famous rule of life was developed by St Benedict. The word rule derives from the latin ‘regula’ which means rhythm, regularity of pattern, a recognisable standard. A rule of life is essentially a rhythm of practices or habits whether daily, weekly, monthly or annually. The rule is like a framework, scaffolding or a trellis over which a plant grows and gives support to us as we lead our Christian lives. A trellis is often used when growing vines. The trellis enables a vine to flourish by supporting it. It lifts it off the ground, gives it support to grow, to breathe and to eventually bear fruit. A rule of life is designed to be a trellis that enables a person to grow, to experience freedom and life in all its fullness.

However the word ‘rule’ feel restrictive and rigid. Rhythm is more fluid and flexible.

A rhythm of life is not a set of rules you have to follow without fail. It is a guide or frame rather than a law. It’s not designed to cause more stress or add more to your day or week. But it is a way to give permission to say no to some things and yes to others. A way to journey on your own and alongside others to deepen your relationship with God, to better understand who God is and to become more like Jesus. A rhythm life works best when it is lived out in community but moulded to fit our own lives and contexts.

Over the next few weeks we will be exploring each stream in more depth as we consider how the rhythm of life might be lived out in each of our lives.

21st June 2026

Listen to Simon launch the rhythm of life series below explaining what a rhythm of life is and why it’s something we should explore.

What is a rule of life? recording

Readings: Acts 2:42-47, Colossians 1:9-14, John 15:1-10

Listen to Simon share what the St Michael’s Waddington Rhythm of Life will be.

Launch of StMW Rhythm of Life recording.

Readings: Proverbs 16:1-9, Ephesians 3:14-21, Matthew 22: 34-40