Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Week 7: Chapter 6 — A Rule of Life
Read Chapter 6 of Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer.
Previewing Week 7 of Practicing the Way
Read 3 of 8 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
This is perhaps the most practically pivotal chapter in the book — Comer introduces the ancient tool of the Rule of Life and makes the case that intentional rhythm is not legalism but love.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.The phrase "Rule of Life" can sound off-putting — even legalistic — to Protestant ears. How does Comer reframe what a Rule of Life actually is? What is the difference between a rule *about* life and a rhythm *for* life?
2.Comer traces the Rule of Life back through church history — through Benedict of Nursia and the monastic tradition — and argues that Christians have always needed structured rhythms to sustain spiritual life. Does it surprise you that this practice has such deep historical roots? How does that history affect how you receive it?
3.He argues that we all already *have* a rule of life — our current habits and rhythms are already forming us in some direction. The question is whether that rule is intentional or accidental. What does your *current*, unexamined rule of life look like? What is it forming you toward?
a.Consider a typical weekday and a typical weekend. What rhythms, habits, and practices dominate your time?
b.If you extrapolated those habits forward ten years, where would they take you spiritually?