You’ll quickly discover that you’re part of a long tradition when you develop a Rule of Life and read more about it. Here are 12 books that have been influential in developing My Rule of Life over the years.
No. 1: The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20, the Bible
This is the oldest Rule of Life from the most widely read book in the world.
A shepherd named Moses leads a vast nation through the desert for years (approximately 1300 BC) from Egypt to the land of Canaan. He has no business plan, but everyone knows they are traveling to “The land flowing with milk and honey.” They experience all sorts of things you can read about in the book of Exodus, which means “departure.” Soon after leaving Egypt, chaos ensues. To regulate life and bring some order, Moses is given the Ten Commandments by God himself.
The first four commandments concern relationship to God and rest: I am God, and I am first in all; place your trust in Me alone, and do not misuse My name. Rest regularly. (Don’t delay too long now; tomorrow is another day, and we’ll be on our way!)
Commandments 5 through 10 concern our interactions with others. Respect your parents, don’t kill anyone, fight for your marriage, don’t touch other people’s property, speak the truth, and don’t be jealous.
No. 2: Benedict’s Rule of Life
Author: Benedict of Nursia
What is remarkable about this small book is its far-reaching influence. Charlemagne decreed that the Regula Benedicti would be the only monastic rule in his empire. This certainly helped its popularity.
Benedict adapted an earlier anonymous Regula Magistri. His adaptations are distinguished by their gentleness. Instead of getting bogged down in details about, for example, forms of asceticism, Benedict laid out the broad outlines of a balanced life dedicated to contemplation, prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, and simple work. The rule creates a clear structure for the day in which activity and reflection alternate. (Source: Wikipedia; Regula Benedicti)
No. 3: Surprised By Joy
Author: C.S. Lewis
Clive Staples Lewis, “Jack” to his friends, was born in Belfast in 1898. As a young boy, he loved fairy tales, fantasy stories, myths, and legends. So, as an adult, he decided to write them himself. At 16, he created a faun who moved through a snow-covered forest with an umbrella and a package under his arm. But in Surprised By Joy, he recounts how he went from being an atheist to becoming a Christian and the joy that overwhelmed him when he took that step. In this book, he describes his ideal day, which usually differs from reality, but never mind.
No. 4: Crafting a Rule of Life
Author: Stephen A. Macchia
We all have an unwritten personal rule of life. We wake up at certain times, get ready for our day in a certain way, use our free time for different purposes, and practice rhythms of work, hobbies, and prayer. There’s already a rule you follow. This book can help you transform your unwritten rule and prayerfully write one that better aligns with God’s heartbeat. It’s holistic.
No. 5: The City Is My Monastery: A Contemporary Rule of Life;
Author: Richard Carter
On the cover, Rowan Williams wrote, loosely translated: “This book is recognizable and refreshingly new. It’s not just another book on spirituality but a workbook for living a life with meaning. Christian meaning. Meaning shaped by Jesus. Wherever we are, here and now is the center, the ground for the soul. Because God has chosen to be with us here and now.”
This book is for anyone who loves a city and feels their heart beating. It resonates with me because I recognize the love of the city – whether it’s Toronto, Los Angeles, Osijek, or a small provincial town like Wageningen. Highly recommended for any pioneer or missionary.
Here’s a poetic prayer:
Each day we need to find space to walk with God.“Follow me,” He says. To look. To hear. To touch. To breathe in. To catch the scent of God’s season. (p. 38)
No. 6: The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction
Author: Justin Whitmel Earley
Earley’s good habits consist of four daily and four weekly habits. The daily habits are as follows:
- Pray on your knees three times a day.
- Eat each meal together.
- Turn off your phone for one hour a day,
- Put the Bible in front of your smartphone.
The weekly habits are the following:
- Catch a friend for one hour.
- Limit media use to four hours.
- Fast from something for 24 hours.
- Observe the Sabbath.
The underlying values are loving God and your neighbour, embracing the good, and resisting the bad.
No. 7: Liturgy of the Ordinary
Author: Tish Harrison Warren
“Janneke! You really have to read this. This is about you and how you shape your life, I think.” Highly recommended if, like me, you want to embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred.
No. 8: Make a List: How a Simple Practice Can Change Our Lives and Open Up Our Hearts
Author: Marilynn McEntyre
I once received this fun little book of gadgets from my friend Mieneke, who knows me all too well. I love it!
Marilyn McEntyre makes endless lists and offers a book full of ideas about them. It’s not explicitly about a Rule of Life, but it is implicit. Just look: Organizing is standing still and not (yet) moving.
No. 9: A blessed life
Author: Wil Derkse
No. 10: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Author: Peter Scazzero
This book has sold more than a million copies and ends with the recommendation to write your own personal Rule of Life.
It is impossible to be emotionally mature while remaining emotionally immature.
No. 11: Spiritual Journaling
A gift from my friend Kim Platt who lives with her family in Wales.
Author: Richard Peace
No. 12: Reclaiming Quiet
Author: Sarah Clarkson
Let’sś reclaim quiet in the midst of family life, amidst all distractions, amidst all kinds of demanding whatevers and aim for beauty, purity and& good.
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It is my desire that you benefit in from this little daily practise as I do. Living a holistic life, serving your Lord, with all that He gave you. The challenges and the gifts. Do not hesitate to contact me, if you have a question, or if you like to have a personal 6 weeks online retreat. It is all possible.
Kind regards, Janneke Huisman, Author of HOLD ON; How do I find rest? Develop your personal Rule of Life.