Patterns For life
This has so far been the year of the pattern. We are establishing patterns of Jesus to adjust our posture to stand like Jesus and to inhabit places like Jesus did. Below are ten ways in the midst of disruption and uncertainty to establish patterns that will keep you in a posture of faith, hope, and love.
These have been adapted from Bridgetown Church’s Rule of Life.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF DISRUPTION
We want to use this moment of disruption to grow deeper as apprentices of Jesus. A rule of life is a schedule and set of practices and relational rhythms that create space for abiding in God and allow us to live in alignment with our deepest desires.
Start the day in quiet prayer and scripture
Start the day in quiet prayer and scripture reading before anything digital, like Instagram, or the news, or television. If you have kids, ideally this will be before they wake up. Simply start the day in quiet with God.
2. Create a gratitude ritual
Draw your attention to the things for which you are grateful. Perhaps you write them down each morning, or share with your family or friends around the dinner table in the evening.
3. Exercise or go for a walk
If at all possible, while maintaining proper social distancing, exercise or go for a walk through your neighborhood. There is something to engaging in this space in your body, to stay grounded with God.
4. One “focal practice”
Find an activity in which you are able to give your complete focus without getting distracted or finding yourself concerned about the conditions of the outside world. This can be gardening, woodworking, cooking, reading, art, chess, etc.
5. Relational touch point
Establish a relational touch point with a close friend, family member, or your community “buddy.” This is a time to draw closer in relationships, through the benefit of technology, not grow more distant.
6. Limit intake of news
The news cycle moves at a rapid pace, but our internal tempo is not meant to live at that speed. Limit your intake to two times daily. Consider setting an alarm for once in the morning and once in the evening.
7. Limit screen time and escapist behaviors
It will be very easy to indulge in escapist behaviors. Find ways to limit your intake of things like alcohol, social media, television, sugar, staying up late, etc.
8. Prayer and Fasting on Tuesdays
We feel lead to pray and fast during this time of fear and anxiety. We want to see God heal people in our city and restore the world around us. Join us as we pray together each Tuesday morning. You can also choose to fast all or some meals during the day.
9. Online community during the week
Continue to connect with your C3 Fort Worth Dinner Parties on a regular basis. Make a commitment to be there and to show up ready to care for one another. Choose a digital platform that works for everyone.
10. Sabbath and online worship
Keep your routine to practice Sabbath, or to start one for the first time. And gather with us online every Sunday as we worship together, learn from the Scriptures, and create space for the Spirit.
We’d love to hear in the comments below how you are applying these and how they are impacting your posture in life.
