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"On June 1, 2008, I introduced to our NLF church family a Rule of Life that I have been working on for us for the last 4-5 months. After countless revisions, I believe it expresses the unique DNA of who God has called us to be and how he has called us to live.

This Rule is a trellis, not a new legalism, keeping us faithful to our unique "charism" and unite around it. It affirms 'who we are,' providing perspective and clarity regarding the way of life to which God has called us. This rule serves as an anchor for us. Amidst the demands of our lives, we need to always remind ourselves that: "The inner, spiritual journey is far more crucial and infinitely more important than any journey to the moon… this is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it all the rest are not only useless but disastrous" (Thomas Merton).

Read through the Rule and let us listen to the Holy Spirit in our midst of how this ancient monastic tool might serve us in the 21st century as we seek to follow Jesus Christ will all our hearts."

This is a downloadable guide to explain the Rule of Life and how to apply its principles.

Be a lover of God, seeking to live in the love of Christ above all else.

Value my own dignity as a human being made in God's image through self-respect and self-care.

Love my neighbor as I love myself: giving first priority to my spouse & children as my first neighbors, (or) embracing my singleness while bonding with others and bearing fruit for God.

Savor the sacred in all I do at work, rest or play.

Befriend silence.

Allow Holy Scripture to shape and form Christ in me.

Walk in community while respecting each person’s uniqueness.

Apply emotionally healthy practices in order to love well.

Listen more than I speak.

Live in truth, asking the hard questions.

To integrate contemplative practices and rhythms (e.g. Daily Office, Sabbath-keeping) to slow down my life.

Ruthlessly eliminate hurry.

Remember the poor and marginalized.

Bridge racial, cultural, economic and gender barriers for Christ.

Share my gifts, talents and resources, in and beyond our community.

Remember God’s history of faithfulness with each new challenge.
©2008 Pete Scazzero