HOW TO CREATE A POST-COVID RULE OF LIFE

We have inherited a set of everyday tools that can help open us to God

How has life been over the past 18 months of the pandemic? For most of us it has changed in ways we could not have imagined. Not only have our everyday movements been restricted, but shopping changed, relationships changed, even ministry has changed.

One thing is sure – God has not changed during the pandemic. Even in the midst of all the disruption, God remains. How have you connected with God during this challenging time? During Covid, in the isolation of our homes and the shrinking of our social circles and calendars, some of us may have discovered new and life-giving routines and rituals, or new ways to connect with God we don’t want to surrender, as life slowly returns to its busier, more crowded pace. How is it with you and God? How has God reached out to you, reminding you of His presence in your life?

• Perhaps you’ve noticed the beauty of creation on one of your many walks – evidence of God’s beauty and creativity.

• Perhaps there have been times of returning to the Father as the prodigal son or daughter.

• Perhaps you’ve noticed the still, small voice within, reminding you of the Spirit guiding your life.

• Or perhaps you’ve been the hands and feet of Jesus, helping those who can’t help themselves – evidence of Jesus in your life.

What practices have you found life giving in your relationship with God?

• Walking in the cool of the morning?

• Praying a breath prayer – “Welcome, Lord Jesus. Welcome”?

•Reading Scripture slowly, waiting for God to speak personally to you?

• Giving time in silence and solitude – solely for God and you to be together?

• Journalling your prayer to God?

Let’s try something right here in the magazine. Use this space to start jotting down any practices that helped you draw close to God during the times of lockdown and distancing.

What don’t you want to give up as life returns to normal?

If you have had a regular spiritual practice, you have the beginnings of a deliberate plan for time spent noticing and living in God’s presence through disciplines and spiritual habits. Christians have been doing this for centuries. Often this plan to build and maintain good habits is called a rule of life, a guide for living out our life more intentionally in the presence of our loving God.

Simply put, when we notice what spiritual practices are life giving and avenues of God’s grace, we can commit to them, crafting our own version of a rule of life. As the pandemic restrictions ease and life returns to normal, it is the perfect time to sit, pause, reflect and plan how we want to be in our spiritual lives moving forward.

Here are a few more spiritual practices, or avenues of grace, you may be interested in trying. Many generations of Christians have grown closer to God using these disciplines. They can enrich your life with God and others. As you read through them, check off the ones that resonate with you that you might like to add to your evolving rule of life.