Mtr Taylor Devine
Dear Friend,
It feels fortuitous that this fall at Mosaic Community Dinner we studied Rules of Life and that we spent some time on various practices of common Rules of Life. Monastic orders have perhaps the most specific rules of life, but churches, individuals, and families have them too. Setting a rule for oneself may be a new practice for you this Lent or this year, or you may have had a long-held set of practices that help you love God and your neighbor. There are lots of resources to help strengthen a rule, from Saint Benedict’s rule to modern renditions like this.
In Julia Gatta's chapter on "Prayer in Solitude" in her recent book Life in Christ: Practicing Christian Spirituality, she writes "the regular pattern of Christian prayer is liturgical, founded upon participation in Eucharist and Daily Office within the larger rhythms of the church year. Liturgical prayer situates us tangibly within the community of the baptized, reinforcing our corporate identity as the body of Christ and sanctifying each member of it." As we attempt to stay at a physical distance for the health of our community, it's important that we stay connected spiritually and socially with the patterns that draw us toward God and God's people.
What has changed about your rule of life in this time? Have you practiced hospitality, hope, prayer, or generosity, in different ways? Setting bounds for how we approach our days doesn't mean we will always succeed, but it gives us practices when we need a reminder of our orientation toward God who seeks God's people out.
Gatta's chapter on prayer continues, "the gospels indicate that Jesus regularly withdrew from his busy, active ministry for solitary communion with his Father. He recommends that his followers do the same: "Whenever you pray, go to your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:6.) I pray that in this period of solitude the practices of our faith support you and give you hope, grounding, strength, and peace. Please be in touch with the clergy, staff, fellow parishioners or spiritual friends if you would like to talk further about spiritual practices for this season!
In Christ,
Mtr Taylor
PS - Here is a prayer to consider adding to your practice or rule:
O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and
rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be
our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray you,
to your presence, where we may be still and know that you
are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, pg. 832)