Rhythms of Intention

After Christmas, one of the days that brings a disproportionate amount of joy to my soul is the first day back at school for my three boys. It's not just because there’s some sick part of me that likes seeing them trudge off to their respective educational institutions, it’s that now I can kick back into my normal routines! Yes!

Whether you are a parent or not, we all wind up in a groove that shapes how we spend our days and, consequently, our lives. There’s been a helpful resurgence of the “rule of life” concept in recent years, which is simply the idea that we curate a schedule that is intentional about living out spiritual disciplines as a reflection of our discipleship to Jesus. I really like Rich Villodas's language of “rhythms of intention”. What are the spiritual disciplines I intentionally want to have in my life? When and where are they happening? What do they look like, and how can I bring my faith community into this journey with me? The reality is that everyone has a “rule of life”, i.e., habits that we live out on the daily. The question is not, do we have one, but rather, are my current daily rhythms actually helping me to prioritise my journey with Jesus.

The reality is that there are many “off ramps” to our rhythms, I find myself ticking along ok, and then I get a cold, or summer removes all the anchor points for my routines, or there is a crisis that upends my week. At my best I can adapt and tweak my routines, but often I find myself a bit disconnected from God as my relational habits with God get derailed.

A quick thought to consider before moving on. How you feel when you don’t live out your rule of life, or do your devotions, or when your sabbath practice gets wobbly, is an important indicator as to whether spiritual disciplines are in a healthy spot in your life. If you’re feeling guilt and shame and like the “worst Christian ever”,  chances are these disciplines are your attempt to please God, and work for His approval.

If you miss them because you notice the way your soul is feeling a bit anaemic and you miss hanging out with Jesus in a more present way, then they’re in a healthy place! Any spiritual discipline is a “means of grace”, and we are all learning to live from the heart of Jesus, not for it. These practices are a way we position ourselves to receive the love of God and to increasingly live a life of love. They are not ways that we earn the love of God.

So I suggest it’s really important to note when there have been “off ramps”, and to focus on moments that are “on ramps”. Kids back to school? Alright, time to reflect on how I want to live, to set the alarm, dust of the devotional and get the coffee ready.

And so, from the team at 24-7 Prayer, can we encourage you to reflect on how the year has gone so far, and whether there is a need for an intentional “on-ramp” in your prayer life?

One little suggestion. This year I’m trying a rhythm of prayer that may be helpful as you consider how your days with Jesus look. It has this cadence each day.

·      Intimacy with God in the morning.

·      Intercessory prayer at lunchtime.

·      Introspection with God in the evening.

I have found this rhythm to be really lifegiving so far!

All three of those words have a lot underneath them, and this blog is already too long… but however it looks, let’s be a people that are intentional about our rhythms of prayer in a culture of distraction!