Welcome to this study guide on the Way of Life, designed for individuals and small groups interested in exploring how this approach can deepen discipleship and spiritual growth. This guide provides a simple introduction to the topic through three short videos and reflection prompts for contemplation and action.
We encourage you to approach the sessions prayerfully and take your time with each prompt. You might find it helpful to have a pen and paper or a digital tool to write down your reflections.
The guide is divided into three sessions:
- What is a Way of Life?
- Way of Life Framework: Three Movements
- Practices: Praying Our Way of Life into Being
We’ve also created a toolkit for communal prayer practices and other downloadable resources to help churches discern their shared Way of Life. Learn more at www.wayoflife.london.
Do reach out with your feedback and questions to Mirjam Ngoy-Verhage, Diocesan Discipleship Enabler, or fill out our feedback form here.
Session 1: What is a Way of Life?
What is a Way of Life?
CONTEMPLATION
- I wonder, what makes you curious about this topic? What questions do you bring?
- Whether consciously or unconsciously, everyone already has a way of life.
I wonder, what words or images come to mind when you think of your personal way of life?
What words or images come to mind when you think of the way of life of your family, church or other community you are part of? - A Way of Life is often caught rather than taught.
Can you think of an example of someone with a Way of Life that inspires you?
What is it that ‘catches’ your attention? - Take some time reflecting on the image of the trellis.
I wonder, what might a trellis supporting your everyday faith look like?
What might a trellis supporting the faith of the people in your family, church or wider community look like?
ACTION
- Study some examples of different Ways of Life.
- Read / listen to some stories about Ways of Life in community:
Session 2: Way of Life Framework
Way of Life Framework: Three Movements
CONTEMPLATION
- I wonder, in this season of your life, whether there is a method or practice that helps you to Stay with God?
- I wonder, what are the places where you get to share about your faith journey, both the highlights as well as the struggles?
What do you need from God to enable you to Share the Journey with others? - I wonder whether you can you recall a time when your service to the world came from this place of abundance or your intimacy and relationship with God?
ACTION
Take some time to reflect on your current way of life and how it incorporates the three movements – Stay with God, Share the Journey, and Serve our World. Use the following discernment questions to guide your reflection (or download the worksheet):
- Celebration
What are the things you are already doing to enable you to Stay with God, Share the Journey, and Serve our World, that are bringing life? - Obstacles
Are there things that are draining your energy? What might you have to let go of? - Hopes
What are your hopes going forward? Where do you see emerging opportunities – what might you want to take on?
Session 3: Praying our Way of Life into being
Practices: Praying our Way of Life into being
CONTEMPLATION
Take some time to be with God and process this offering. Talk to God about the things that grasped your attention; that stood out to you. What would you like to take with you as food for the onward journey? Share any frustrations or questions in prayer.
ACTION
- Have a go at one of the practices:
- Centring Prayer / Lectio Divina if individually. You can find some accompanying videos on Centring Prayer and Lectio Divina here.
- Shared Silence / Dwelling in the Word with a group.
- Have a go at filling out your Patterns Worksheet.
Feedback
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