The rhythm and rule of life to live like Christ

What does a life look like that is in rhythm with the desire that God has for creation? What Rule would allow persons to grow in a deeper relationship with God and live like Christ? These were the questions the project sought to explore. The project took the form of an all-church retreat and was held at a conference and retreat center approximately ninety miles north of Houston. The retreat was designed as a way for participants to get away from the daily routine of life and explore a rhythm and rule of life that would allow families and individuals to grow into a more intentional relationship with God.;The retreat sessions examined the meaning of the words rhythm and rule Biblically, theologically, and spiritually. The concept of "holy leisure" was introduced as a way for participants to intentionally slow down, breathe, and remember. Participants were asked to consider what obstacles they encountered in their personal lives that prevented them from experiences time with God. The traditional understanding of a Rule of Life that provides freedom and an intentional way of discerning God's presence in the ordinary, regular routine of daily living introduced as a way to life like Christ. Prior to the retreat a survey, that included questions concerning the congregation's prayer life and their relationship with God, was distributed. The answers provided an understanding of the congregation's desire to experience ways to encounter God in prayer that were different from the prayers of their childhood. Several different classes were designed to engage participants in experiential styles of prayer and were offered during the afternoon of the retreat.;The retreat culminated in the writing of a personal Rule of Life. The closing worship service provided a time for both an individual and communal covenant of the Rules that the participants had written.;The retreat, as a time away, has become part of the rhythm of life at MDUMC. The third annual retreat will be held in May of 2013. The congregation continues to seek to live like Christ through their worship, spiritual growth, witnessing and giving.