Rhythm of Life - How to get the best out of these resources

'It’s a framework of regular actions and practices we choose that help us grow as Christians. The bible and prayer will be at its centre.'

Why a Rhythm of Life?

When the first followers of Jesus met, they created rhythms of life and worship. Those patterns revolved around a framework of daily meetings for worship; shared meals; public witness and care for the vulnerable (Acts 2.44-47). Over the centuries groups of Christians developed similar patterns and practices to help them grow in their faith.

In the Diocese of Bristol, we want to find the rhythms and patterns that will help us ground our faith in everyday life. Your rhythm will be different from mine, but what is important is that it provides you with a framework for growth.

A calling

We are called to be people who reflect the richness and love of God in our lives. People who make space in our lives to grow closer to him and to be transformed into his likeness wherever we are.

John Mark Comer describes this as ‘Practising the Way of Jesus.’

A decision

Every life has a rhythm. That rhythm will be shaped by the community we live in. We may be aware of those rhythms, or not. They may simply be shaped by the necessities of life: shopping; work; relationships; illness; cleaning; social media; the things we view on TV. We may also have spiritual rhythms of service, prayer and worship.

How aware are we of the rhythms that shape our lives, for good or ill? We can control those rhythms, or we can be controlled by them. How do we create rhythms that result in Godly lives?

Paul encourages those who long to follow Jesus to intentionally ‘keep in step with the Spirit.’ (Galatians 5.25)

When we first meet Jesus and respond to his call we begin a journey of discovery. Like all journeys it won’t happen by accident and is better with others. Along the way we will grow and change. Every journey will be different, but one thing is common to all – we won’t get anywhere unless we are willing to pack our bags and set out.

• Intentional – it’s something deliberate. Something we choose to do in response to God's call on our lives.
• ccountable – as in all of life it’s much easier when we have friends to encourage you to keep going. Purposeful – we want to become more like Jesus in every part of our life.

Use these resources to help your create your rhythm of life.

1. There are 12 months of tasters for you to try.
2. Each month you will find a four week guide to try different forms of prayer.
3. Alongside the guides are videos and instructions to help you put them into practice. 
4. At the end of each month there are online meetings to catch up with others who have been trying the practices and to hear from experienced people.
5. If you miss a month all the tasters will be repeated throughout 2026 so you can start at any point.
6. If you want to go further in exploring some of the practices there are links to more materials and background information for you to explore.

When we create our rhythm of life there are certain building blocks that are fundamental:

• Making time to read the Bible
• Being open to God through prayer
• Regular worship with others
• Generosity
• Serving others
• Self-reflection

As you prayerfully create your own Rhythm of Life make sure you begin by putting in the rocks first. Then, you can fit in all the other things that are important for a fulfilling life. In the video the jar is full when the sand is added – however, even then it is not really full. You could still add a large amount of water. Whatever rhythm of life you choose trust that God’s Holy Spirit will fill in all the gaps, becoming for you the water of life.

Download Guidelines for creating a personal rhythm of life