The Merry Monk

The wise man knows how to run his life so that contemplation is possible.

-Gabriel Marcel

There’s an inherent danger in introducing people to spiritual practices. We each have a lifetime of experiences that inform our thinking about topics like the disciplines, religion in general or Christianity in particular. My talk about meditation, fasting or prayer will inevitably be misunderstood in a multiplicity of ways depending on the hearer’s frame of reference.

One way to ameliorate this situation is to share common experiences. That’s why I’m a big proponent of what I call spiritual experimentation.

On today’s Mobile MonkCast, I got back into discussing this rule of life from Pete Scazzero. If any of it seems too religious, ignore that part. But, I hope you will consider joining me for a little spiritual experimentation with adopting a rule of life. Who knows, you might like it.

Click here to listen to my rambling about Rule #3.

Prayer

- Be a lover of God, seeking to live in the love of Christ above all else.
- Befriend silence.
- Allow Holy Scripture to shape and form Christ in me.
- To integrate contemplative practices (e.g. Daily Offices and Sabbath keeping) and rhythms to slow down my life.

Rest

- Value my own dignity as a human being made in God’s image through self-respect and self-care.
- Ruthlessly eliminate hurry.
- Remember God’s history of faithfulness with each new challenge.
- Receive God’s limits as a gift.

Relationships

- Love my neighbor as I love myself—embracing my singleness as I bond with others, or in marriage, giving first priority to my spouse and children.
- Walk in community while respecting each person’s uniqueness.
- Apply emotionally healthy practices in order to love well.
- Listen more than I speak.
- Live in truth, asking the hard questions.
- Bridge racial, cultural, economic and gender barriers for Christ.

Work/Activity

- Point others to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
- Savor the sacred in all I do—at work, rest or play.
- Remember the poor and marginalized.
- Share my gifts, talents and resources, in and beyond our community.