Oblates bind themselves by an act of oblation, or "gift" to God. This oblation is a promise, not a vow, to live according to the Rule St. Benedict wrote in the 6th century. Oblates have a strong desire to find God and experience a fuller Christian life by living according to the spirit of the Rule. The oblation is a free gift to God made through the monastery with which the are affiliated. The oblates are responsible for their own Christian and spiritual life and receive periodic guidance by attending monthly meetings which include spiritual instruction.

Benedictine oblate life is primarily a spiritual life. The Rule of St. Benedict provides the guide for oblate life. The key to this life is found in Benedict's advice, "That God may be glorified in all things" (RB 57:9). For the oblate, all things really means all things: Prayer, work, studies, church, recreation, family, friends, and even enemies. The oblate truly seeks God in every aspect of everyday life. Oblate life is centered on a reverance for prayer. Oblates practice prayer both publicly with the Liturgy of the Hours and privately.

Oblates also have a love for holy reading, or lectio divina. Part of oblate life is the desire to be obedient to the will of God. Oblates fulfill this desire with humility, by patiently bearing the everyday trials of life, by appreciating silence, by keeping one's speech under control, and by viewing all work as holy.

Oblate life is formed in and around a Benedictine community. The St. Procopius oblate is affiliated spiritually with this monastery and thus shares in the prayer, work, love and commitment of the community. The oblates also form community in chapters and among their family, friends and church. By being part of the Benedictine community, the oblate is supported to live more fully the Christian life.