3 Simple Rules

I've been reading and praying with a little book lately that has helped me. It's called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben Job. Rueben is one of my spiritual heroes; he is a retired bishop in The United Methodist Church and used to be World Editor at The Upper Room. He has a quiet, holy presence--like someone who knows how to get quiet enough to hear God speak. He's one of those people with whom you just feel loved when you're around him.

I read his simple little book (just 78 pages) in preparation for hearing him speak a few weeks ago. I was intrigued with how simple the message was and yet how difficult the message is to live out. The three simple rules, according to John Wesley:

1. Do no harm.
2. Do good.
3. Stay in love with God.

He writes about each one, and what he thinks each one means. At the back of the book are simple outlines for morning, midday, and evening prayers. I've mostly just been remembering the morning prayers. But it has been kind of amazing to me how this little routine turns my heart Godward.

I've used Rueben's Guides to Prayer for about 24 years now--hard to believe. I go in and out of seasons of using them, but they are so helpful to me. Some scripture to meditate on each day, a few quotes from spiritual writers through the ages, a few words from Rueben, a guide for my daily prayer.

This little book is small enough to carry around in my purse, so it is right there when I have a few moments to read something; it helps me focus on God. Most days, I need all the help I can get!