Crafting A Rule Of Life

Introduction: Crafting A Personal Rule Of Life

Part One: Forming Your Personal Rule Of Life
1. Roles: What Are My Primary Relationships?
2. Gifts: What Are My God-Given Gifts, Talents And Temperament?
3. Desires: What Are The Deepest Longings And Core Values Of My Heart?
4. Vision: What Is The Intentional Passion God Is Inviting Me To?
5. Mission: What Am I Currently Doing That Leads Toward The Vision God Has Given Me?

Part Two: Forming Your Personal Rule Of Life
6. Time: Spiritual Priorities
7. Trust: Relational Priorities
8. Temple: Physical Priorities
9. Treasure: Financial Priorities
10. Talent: Missional Priorities

Part Three: Fulfilling Your Personal Rule Of Life
11. Commitment To The Body Of Christ
12. Context Of A Spiritual Community

Conclusion: Celebrating Your Personal Rule Of Life
Resources For Creating A Communal Rule Of Life
Additional Reading On Church History Notables
Four Individuals Crafting Their Personal Rule Of Life
Acknowledgments
Notes

Additional Info
Your personal rule of life is a holistic description of the Spirit-empowered rhythms and relationships that create, redeem, sustain and transform the life God invites you to humbly fulfill for Christ’s glory.

All of us have an unwritten personal rule of life. We wake at certain times, get ready for our days in particular ways, use our free time for assorted purposes and practice rhythms of work, hobbies, and worship. There is already a rule in place that you are following. Isn’t it time to give up your unwritten rule and prayerfully write one that more closely matches the heartbeat of God?

In this practical workbook Stephen A. Macchia looks to St. Benedict as a guide for discovering your own rule of life in community. It is a process that takes time and concerted effort; you must listen to God and discern what he wants you to be and do for his glory. But through the basic disciplines of Scripture, prayer and reflection in a small group context you will be lead forward in a journey toward Christlikeness.

The invitation is transformational, so brace yourself for sweet release. By letting go and trusting God, you will receive the gift of life in its fullest and richest form.