Rule of Life Builder
Design a sustainable rhythm — not a heroic sprint you'll abandon by Thursday.
What is a Rule of Life? A personalised pattern of spiritual practices that keeps you connected to God across seasons. Monks called it a "rule" not because it was rigid law, but because it gave life structure and direction.
Time to complete: 45 minutes
Step 1: My Season
What season am I in? (circle one)
- ☐ Building ☐ Recovering ☐ Grieving ☐ Transitioning ☐ Maintaining ☐ Pioneering
What this season requires from me:
What this season does NOT require (permission to drop):
Step 2: My Non-Negotiables
Minimum viable practices for your worst week — not your best week.
| Practice | Minimum (hard days) | Ideal (normal weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Prayer | e.g. 3 min morning | e.g. 20 min morning |
| Scripture | e.g. 1 verse | e.g. 1 chapter |
| Worship | e.g. 1 song | e.g. 20 min |
| Community | e.g. 1 text to believer | e.g. weekly gathering |
| Sabbath/rest | e.g. 2 hours phone-free | e.g. full day |
| Service/generosity | e.g. 1 kind act | e.g. scheduled serving |
Step 3: Daily Rhythm
Morning
| Time | Practice | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Morning declaration (write yours):
Midday (optional reset)
Evening
| Time | Practice | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Evening examen (5 questions):
- Where did I sense God today?
- Where did I resist God today?
- Who did I love well?
- Who needs my apology or follow-up?
- What am I grateful for?
Step 4: Weekly Rhythm
| Day | Focus | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Worship & rest | |
| Monday | Work as worship | |
| Tuesday | ||
| Wednesday | Midweek reset | |
| Thursday | ||
| Friday | Review & gratitude | |
| Saturday | Sabbath/play |
Weekly community commitment:
Step 5: Monthly & Quarterly
Monthly:
- ☐ Spiritual stocktake (see Guide #11)
- ☐ Financial review
- ☐ Mentor/accountability check-in
- ☐ Other: _______________
Quarterly:
- ☐ 24-hour personal retreat (silence, prayer, journaling)
- ☐ Review Rule of Life — adjust for new season
- ☐ Celebrate wins
Step 6: Accountability
Person who knows my Rule: _______________ How often we check in: _______________ What I give them permission to ask: _______________
My Rule of Life — One-Page Summary
Season: _______________ Morning anchor: _______________ Evening anchor: _______________ Weekly community: _______________ Minimum on hard days: _______________ Review date: _______________
Signature: _______________ Date: _______________
Rise Crew · Share freely · Inspired by Practicing the Way & monastic rhythm