5 Essential Elements of a Rule of Life

By Lucas Pollice, M.T.S.

As we wind up the summer break, we find ourselves in that time of year where we get back into the routines of life. But it is crucially important that in all the busyness of life that we do not neglect our spiritual life.  Just like we need to take time to go over our personal or family calendar and plan our days and weeks to stay on top of life, we should also take the time to establish a rule of life that governs and keeps on track our spiritual life.

There has been much ink spilled over the centuries on what constitutes a good rule of life, and this can vary for each person according to the duties of their vocation and state of life.  While there can be several elements of a rule of life, I would like to focus on the ones that are most foundational. If you are not in the habit of living a daily rule of life, these are the important starting points.

1. Prayer

Prayer is the foundation of the spiritual life.  But we need to ask ourselves, “Do we say prayers or do we pray?” This is not to say that memorized prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary are not important and crucial to our life of prayer, but we are called to deeper prayer that is a conversation with God.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us that prayer ultimately comes from the heart:  “Where does prayer come from? Whether prayer is expressed in words or gestures, it is the whole man who prays. But in naming the source of prayer, Scripture speaks sometimes of the soul or the spirit, but most often of the heart (more than a thousand times). According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain.”  (CCC, No. 2562)  

Prayer is joining our hearts with God’s heart and entering into a friendship with him.  This is why a daily holy hour of prayer is at the center of any rule of life.  If an hour seems intimidating, start with 15 minutes and gradually increase the duration over time.  We must also realize that this daily appointment with God is not always dependent on quality, fervor, or emotions; it is our fidelity that matters most, and God will do the rest. As well-known spiritual author Father Jacques Philippe reminds us: “Our first concern . . .should be faithfulness in praying, not the quality of prayer.  The quality will come from fidelity.  Time spent faithfully every day in mental prayer that is poor, arid, distracted, and relatively short is worth more, and will be infinitely more fruitful for our progress, that long, ardent spells of mental prayer from time to time, when circumstances make it easy.”  (“Time for God,” pg. 17) So make that daily appointment with God and stick with it! 

2. Examination of Conscience

Another very important part of any daily rule of life is an examination of conscience.  Our conscience is a gift of God through which we hear his voice calling us to do good and avoid evil. But most importantly, it is where the Holy Spirit convicts us, forms us, and shapes us to live a life a life of true freedom and discipleship in Christ.  An examination of conscience is done most effectively in the evening when we spend time examining our day and asking God for forgiveness, grace, and healing for the times in which we sinned and failed to love him and others, and thanking him for all the gifts and blessings of the day.

3. Liturgy and Sacraments

Any rule of life should always incorporate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Going to Sunday Mass is a given, but going to daily Mass when it is possible is a great grace to take advantage of.  A good rule of thumb for going to Confession is monthly and more often if circumstances require.  Another great way of participating in the liturgical life of the Church is the Liturgy of the Hours, especially Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer which also includes an examination of conscience.  

4. Spiritual Reading

Spiritual reading is another important part of a rule of life as it exposes us to the wisdom of the saints, who have demonstrated an exemplary way of living a life of discipleship. Numerous contemporary books and articles about prayer, virtue, discernment, and discipleship can aid us in developing our spiritual life. Spiritual reading is a great opportunity to turn off the TV and the cell phone and focus on things eternal and our daily walk with Christ. 

5. Christian Service

A good rule of life will also intentionally incorporate works of service and mercy.  First, we should get into the habit of having an attitude of service — how we can love and serve others in the ordinary circumstances of daily life.  Second, it is important to intentionally schedule times of service or works of mercy that are outside of our daily life or routine, such as helping at a soup kitchen or visiting the sick or homebound.  This ensures that helping those who are less fortunate and in need of God’s love and mercy remain a priority in the spiritual life.  

Finally, it is beneficial to remember to keep one’s rule of life simple and make a firm resolution to stick with it. If you find that you are getting a bit off track, simply recommit to it or make any adjustments as needed. Having a good rule of life sets our spiritual life on a firm foundation (Mt 7:24-25) and allows us to experience in a real and joyful way the works of Jesus:  “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” (Mt 11:30)

(Lucas Pollice is Chief Mission Officer of the Diocese of Colorado Springs.)