Introduction to "Common Rule"
A "rule" is a set of practices--disciplines, routines, or habits--that you commit to in order to grow in your love of God and neighbour. As the name suggests, a "common rule" is a set of practices that are embraced by a group of people. Having shared practices help to establish community rhythms, and creates a network of support. A "common rule" is about people cooperating together as individuals, so we can grow into the flourishing lives we so deeply desire for ourselves and others.
Common Rule Practices
Daily (abstinence)
​Scripture Before Phone
For many of us, picking up the phone is the first thing we do. We read Scripture before looking at our phones in the morning. This allows the first words that shape our day to be from our sacred text rather than our social media feeds, news or email. As Justin Earley says, this practice “replaces the question, ‘What do I need to do today?’ with another one, ‘Who am I and who am I becoming?’”
 
For some of us, it’s not the phone but something else that tends to occupy our attention. If that’s the case for you, commit to reading Scripture before you pick up that tool, or open that book. The point is simply this: Highlanders are encouraged to prioritize the daily reading of scripture, and develop a routine that supports that effort.
daily (engagement)
Prayer Three Times 
Highlanders are invited to pray three times a day (morning, noon and evening). Each of these times offer us a choice to be assimilated to our cultures or to life with God:
  • Morning prayer – The choice to start the day in legalism or in truth.
  • Noon prayer – The choice to let our stories be written by others or by God.
  • Evening prayer – The choice to escape or rest.
 
Highlanders are encouraged to pray for our community and its members.
​weekly (abstinence)
​Limit Media Intake to 5 Hours
The slow drip of news and entertainment through our devices is the number one way we move from walking, to standing, to sitting with those who live in a way opposed to the life and love of Jesus. Engaging in this practice…
  •  …forces us to consciously choose our media
Many of us fill the time with social media or entertainment rather than consciously choosing what we will take in. Limiting to 5 hours forces you to make decisions: Do I really need to scroll through my Insta feed again or would I rather connect with a specific friend?
  • …creates space for the things we want at our core.
All of us have things we long to be true of our lives—perhaps to be more fit, to read more, to make space for relationships, and so on. Minimizing our digital distraction is one of the key ways to create space for presence and energy for other activities that move us toward our purposes.
  • …allows for our media intake to be fun and purposeful.
​Entertainment is part of God’s invitation to rest and enjoy. However, if we’re taking in media in every spare moment, it moves to addiction. Limiting your media can return entertainment back to its unique and joyful place in our lives.
​weekly (engagement)
One Hour of Conversation with a Friend
We are made for friendship with God and other people. Highlanders are encouraged to cultivate spiritual friendships by intentionally practicing “vulnerability across time.” Conversations might include:
  • confession and absolution.
  • the discernment of gifts and vocation.
  • The practice of Matthew 18 truth telling
  • Responding to questions such as “What is God currently asking of me? How am I responding? How do I want to respond? How honest am I being?”
Monthly (abstinence)
​Give Financially To God’s Kingdom Work & People 
The rhythm of giving is a means toward the end of becoming like our generous God and showcasing God’s generosity to the world. By not keeping all of our money for ourselves so that we might share it with others, we choose to live with less for the sake of others. By giving away some portion of what we have to provide for the needs of the church, we participate in the life and story of Jesus, who gave himself to us in order to provide for us and the needs of the world.

1) Begin by getting a handle on your finances: What do you have to give? Set a budget.
  • You may want to talk with others to give you further reference points as to what amount you will look to give away.
2) Involve your family. If you have kids, this is a great and practical way to learn to express the heart of Jesus together.
  • In particular, consider to whom or to what you might offer a gift.
3) Simply start where you’re at, and look to become aware of where you see an invitation to contribute to the flourishing of God’s kingdom in the world.
monthly (engagement)
Serve Your Neighbour 
Serving others is a way to participate in the life and story of Jesus, who serves us sacrificially. Consider the following as you look to join God in caring for others:
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  • Is there a need in your church that you could address? Or is there a person at church I might help?
  • What is happening in your community? At school? Work? One of the local places in your neighbourhood? How might you contribute there?
  • You might ask two questions:
    • “What are the needs of my neighbour?”
    • “How might I respond in an appropriate way?”
Resources
Here are some links and files that Highland, and elsewhere, have adopted for common rule practice. Feel free to join us in this these disciplines.
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Links
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PDF Files

Common Rule Daily Prayers.pdf
File Size: 176 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
5x5x5 New Testament Reading Plan.pdf
File Size: 499 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
1 Year Reading Plan.pdf
File Size: 186 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File