Rhythm of Life

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Welcome to our Rhythm of Life Resources

'A rhythm of life is a framework of regular actions and practices we choose that help us grow as Christians. '

There are three sections of resources:

for individuals
for parishes
and for young people and schools

Getting the best out of the individual resources

Each month you will be invited to explore a different tradition of spirituality through a series of tasters.
The best way to get involved is to:

These will tell you when the next series of tasters begins. You will receive a link via email that takes you to the next month’s resources where you will find three sections:

A month of guided reflection and practices for you to download and try
Clear instructions on how to do them
Videos from people sharing how they have been using the practices

All three of the resource streams work together and you can engage with one or all of them.

If you want:

a framework for life that keeps you on the right path
to grow spiritually and avoid burn out
to navigate life's challenges well
to grow in confidence in your faith
to know peace and contentment

Then a well-crafted rhythm of life that matches your life circumstances could be just what you need. Click the button for an introduction to our 'Rhythm of Life Resources' offering guidelines on how they work, some basic building blocks and a downloadable framework sheet for you to design your own personal rhythm.

Click here for an introduction and guidelines

Here you will be able to meet with others who are also using the resources. The sessions will be guided by an ‘experienced’ practitioner to help you go deeper.

The monthly zooms are designed to work alongside the taster sessions, so if you have been trying out the practices through the month you will get the most out of them. However, you are still welcome to join even if you haven’t been able to do all of them, or you want to learn from others before you dive in.

If you prefer to jump straight in then follow the link at the bottom of the page.

What is a Rhythm of Life?

'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.

These resources are designed to help individuals and churches explore and find rhythms of life that keep God at the centre of all we are and do. They offer ideas and actions to help you. They reflect three key areas that help to shape the rhythms of our lives:

Discipleship Mission Communtiy