Household Discipleship: Building a Rule of Life
- ashleytumlinwallac
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Ordinary Time is made for rooting. It’s not flashy or hurried. There’s no rush to the finish line, only the slow, steady work of becoming. And in this season, one of the most life-giving things we can do for ourselves and our families is to be intentional about how we live, on purpose, with a plan that reflects who we are and whose we are.
The Church has a long tradition of something called a Rule of Life, a prayerful, intentional framework for daily living. Monastics have used it for centuries, not as a rigid checklist, but as a trellis for the vine of faith, a way to shape life so that love for God and neighbor grows in every season.
What if we thought of our households, not just ourselves, as needing a Rule of Life?
Because here’s the truth: our homes already have a “rule,” whether we’ve named it or not. Our days are shaped by certain habits, priorities, and unspoken values. The question is, do those rhythms reflect the Kingdom of God, or are they just echoes of the culture around us?
Why a Household Rule of Life Matters
A Rule of Life is not about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s the difference between letting the river of life carry you wherever it will and gently steering the boat toward a destination that matters.
When we take time to think about what matters most, faith, hospitality, generosity, rest, and service, we can make sure our family life actually reflects those values. Without that intention, the urgent will always crowd out the important.
How to Begin Shaping Your Family’s Rule of Life
Pray and Reflect Together
Ask God to show you what He desires for your family in this season. Gather around the table and talk about what matters most to each of you.
Identify Your Core Values
What virtues or practices do you want your home to embody? Sabbath rest? Hospitality? Prayer? Celebrating the Liturgical Year? Write them down.
Look at Your Rhythms
Take an honest look at how your time is currently spent. Do your daily and weekly patterns reflect your values, or do they tell a different story?
Name Small, Concrete Practices
A Rule of Life works best when it’s simple and specific. For example:
Eat one meal together at the table every day.
Begin each morning with prayer.
Keep one night a week technology-free for rest and connection.
Serve together once a month.
Hold It Lightly
This isn’t a legalistic rulebook. Life changes, and your Rule of Life will, too. Revisit it seasonally and adjust as needed.
Living It Out in Ordinary Time
When we root our days in prayer, scripture, service, and rest, those habits begin to seep into our children’s bones. They learn that following Jesus is not just something we talk about on Sundays, it’s the air we breathe at home.
A Household Rule of Life creates a rhythm where everyone knows what matters and how to live it. Over time, it becomes part of the culture of your home, quietly forming hearts in the ways of Christ.
A Simple Starting Point: Light a candle at dinner. Thank God for the day. Share one thing you’re grateful for. Small, yes, but these moments shape the soul.
And if you'd like more help, here's a Rule of Life Worksheet to use with your family -
Because discipleship doesn’t happen in grand gestures. It happens in the steady, ordinary faithfulness of everyday life.
Let’s live out Ordinary Time together. What practices might become part of your family’s Rule of Life this season?
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