A Fourfold Rhythm of Prayer, Study, Service and Rest

Marketers are clever in their use of "jingles." When I was a boy, growing up in the north west of England, a favorite jingle was "A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play." The catchy little tune still pops into my head from time to time. Sadly, the days have long gone when so much chocolate, sugar and other good stuff could be indulged on a daily basis! (An English “Mars bar” is much the same as an American “Milky Way,” I think.)

But there was something profound in the sentiment. A good life is a balanced life . . . work, rest and play.

In Lindisfarne we are committed to live a balanced life of prayer, study, service and rest. It is to be our daily rhythm.

Rhythm need not be monotony.

Rhythm’s change.

There may an emphasis on the first beat, or the fourth, or the first and third, or the second and fourth. In some rhythms a beat is left silent for effect. Try clapping the rhythms. There are endless possibilities.

The new monasticism is like that. There will be times when there is much emphasis on prayer. At other times more emphasis on study and rest . . . or prayer and service . . . or simply rest. At times one or more elements of the balance will be “silent.”

The secret is to find the balance of the Spirit, to listen to the rhythm of God for you each day.

God’s goodness to all,

+ Ab. Andrew