Dear Highrock Family,

I want to thank everyone who has been participating in the Practicing the Way course or attending our Sunday worship services this fall. Together, we’ve been exploring the nine core practices of Jesus: Sabbath, Prayer, Fasting, Solitude, Generosity, Scripture, Community, Service, and Witness.

As we near the end of this series, we’ll be invited to prepare what’s called a Rule of Life, a written plan, pattern, or guide for living faithfully before God.

As I’ve reflected on these nine practices, I wanted to share my own Rule of Life, not as a boast, but in the hope that it may inspire you to consider crafting your own.

My Rule of Life

Sabbath – Every Friday evening around 6:00 p.m., I stop producing and welcome the Sabbath by singing a song I wrote to the Lord many years ago. It reminds me that the Sabbath is holy and a gift from God. On this day, I aim to enjoy extended time with family and friends, time outdoors in creation, physical exercise, an unhurried breakfast with my wife, and perhaps even an afternoon nap.
Scripture: Exodus 20:8–11.

Prayer – I pray by journaling on my laptop or by going for a prayer walk outdoors. My goal is to do this daily—finding a space in my morning routine to be quiet and to listen to what the Spirit is saying. I also try to spend time simply in silence, being present to God through meditation.
Scripture: Matthew 6:6.

Fasting – When I fast, I spend that time in prayer instead of eating, seeking to conclude the fast with a renewed awareness that my need for God and the Holy Spirit is greater than anything else in life. During my fast, I plan to drink plenty of water to help sustain my energy levels during the day.
Scripture: Isaiah 58:3–14.

Solitude – Each day, I seek moments to be alone and still before the Lord, away from the noise of life, so that I can listen and delight in His presence.
Scripture: Psalm 34:8.

Generosity – I aim to organize our finances so we can be good stewards of our time, gifts, and financial resources to the local church and beyond.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6–7.

Scripture – Through time alone in God’s Word, I seek His wisdom and direction for my life.
Scripture: Proverbs 2.

Community – I strive to resist the temptation to be a spiritual hermit, remembering that growth happens in the soil of Christian community. It’s there that I experience the blessing of friendship, mutual encouragement, and the opportunity to bless others as well.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1.

Service – Being a blessing in the world begins as a response to God’s love for us. I aim to first serve those within my own household, and then in our church and broader community. I want to help loosen the chains of injustice, locally and globally, by volunteering, supporting missions, and bringing God’s Kingdom to earth.
Scripture: Luke 6:31–36.

Witness – I want to share my faith and hope in Christ with others out of love, care, and concern, always with gentleness and respect.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3–5.

As you can see, none of this has to be complicated, but there’s something powerful about writing down our intentions. A Rule of Life helps us reflect more deeply and live more intentionally for God.

Thank you for reading, and for your participation in Practicing the Way.

With gratitude and grace,

– Pastor Robert, RobertB@highrock.org

Pastor of Worship & Adult Discipleship
Highrock MetroWest

Rule of Life Workbook

Fiddler on the Roof