The Way of Love
As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, we follow the Way of Jesus. His way is the Way of Love, and that love has the power to change lives and change the world.
At Church of the Redeemer, to be engaged in the life of the community, we encourage you to live by The Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life.
The Way of Love is a way of life. More than a program or curriculum, it is a return to the ancient pathways and Rules of Life that followers of Jesus have observed for centuries. They knew the power of commitment to a core set of practices –Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest–and the power of gathering in a small group where you find love and support for living into these commitments. If we hope to not only worship Jesus but to grow more like him and bear his redeeming love in the world, we can adopt a rule of life like the Way of Love and find a community with which to practice it.
A Rule of Life is an intentional commitment to a set of practices that provide guidance, rhythm and inspiration for living a beautiful, meaningful and holy life. As we place these practices at the heart of our daily lives and join with companions who share the commitment, we grow more and more in the unselfish, hope-filled Way of Love that Jesus embodied in the world.
We invite you to take time exploring these practices for living a Jesus-centered life. Sit with the words from scripture and from the Book of Common Prayer, pray over the practice, reflect and discern where God is calling you.
And remember, no one follows Jesus all alone. The ideal way to live the Way of Love is in a community of love, support and accountability.
The Way of Love: Bless
BLESS
Share faith and unselfishly give and serve
"Freely you have received; freely give." - Matthew 10:8
"Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: We will, with God's help." - Book of Common Prayer, p. 305
Jesus called his disciples to give, forgive, teach, and heal in his name. We are empowered by the Spirit to bless everyone we meet, p…
Read More »The Way of Love: Go
GO
Cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus
"Jesus said to them, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.'" - John 20:21
By reading and reflecting on Scripture, especially the life and teachings of Jesus, we draw near to God and God’s word dwells in us. When we open our minds and hearts to Scripture, we learn to see God’s story and God’s activity in …
Read More »The Way of Love: Learn
LEARN
Reflect on Scripture each day, especially on Jesus' life and teachings
"Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." - John 14:23
"Grant us so to hear [the Holy Scriptures], read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them." - Book of Common Prayer, p. 236
By reading and reflecting on Scripture, especially …
Read More »The Way of Love: Pray
PRAY
Dwell intentionally with God daily
"He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." - Luke 11:1
"Lord, hear our prayer." Book of Common Prayer
Jesus teaches us to come before God with humble hearts, boldly offering our thanksgivings and concerns to God or simply listening fo…
Read More »The Way of Love: Rest
REST
Receive the gift of God's grace, peace, and restoration
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27
"Blessed are you, O Lord ... giving rest to the weary, renewing the strength of those who are spent." - Book of Common Prayer, p. 113
From the beginning of creation, G…
Read More »The Way of Love: Turn
TURN
Pause, listen and choose to follow Jesus
"As Jesus was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he got up and followed him." - Mark 2:14
"Do you turn to Jesus Christ...?" - Book of Common Prayer, p. 302
Like the disciples, we are called by Jesus to follow The Way of Love. With God's help, we can turn from the…
Read More »The Way of Love: Worship
WORSHIP
Gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and dwell with God
"When he was at the table with them, he took break, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him." - Luke 24:30-31
"Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord." - Book of Common Prayer, p. 361
When we worship, we gather with others befo…
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