What is a Rule of Life? 

A Rule of Life is a collection of practices that shape our daily rhythms to be with Jesus, become like him, and do the things he did. Like a trellis supporting a vine, it acts as a structure which helps us grow in the right direction: into the likeness of Jesus. 

Importantly, these practices aren’t ‘rules’ or laws! They are simply patterns we can use to make space for the Holy Spirit’s ongoing transformation in us. It’s a way of living our lives in response to God’s gift of grace (Eph 2:8-9).  

 

St Mary’s Rule of Life 

Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it in all its fullness.” (John 10:10) 
Our Rule of Life is a simple way of responding to that invitation — a framework that helps us grow in love for God, deepen our shared life, and live out His hope in our community. It’s not a list of demands, but a rhythm that helps us notice and follow Jesus in the everyday. 

These practices help us walk in His way: 

 

DISCOVER IT — Life With God 

Scripture – We listen to God. 
We allow God’s Word to guide us, shape us, and renew us. 

Prayer – We walk with God. 
We seek His presence, power, and leading in every season of life. 

Holy Spirit – We are empowered by God. 
We depend on the Spirit for guidance, transformation, gifting, and courage. 

Fasting – We make space for God. 
We lay things down so that Jesus can take His rightful place in our lives. 

 

LIVE IT — Life With One Another 

Community – We live life together. 
We support, encourage, and build one another up in faith and love. 

Generosity – We give joyfully. 
We offer our time, gifts, and resources in response to God’s grace. 

Sabbath – We rest in God. 
We practise rhythms of rest, renewal, worship, and delight. 

Creativity – We express God’s image. 
We celebrate God-given imagination and artistry, using our gifts to inspire and bless one another. 

 

GIVE IT AWAY — Life With the World 

Service – We bless others. 
We use our gifts to meet needs and reveal the love of Jesus. 

Witness – We share the hope of Jesus. 
We live and speak the good news wherever He has placed us. 

Hospitality – We welcome all. 
We create spaces of warmth, belonging, and grace for every person. 

Justice – We pursue God’s heart for the world. 
Together, these rhythms shape a life rooted in Jesus. 

 

Join us on the journey 

To do this well, we want to live these practices out together as a community. So we’re inviting our whole church to step into this over the months and years to come. This will always be invitation, never obligation. We encourage everyone to start small and build gradually.