There are 12 disciplines grouped into three categories: inner, outer, and corporate. I didn't find out until halfway through the study what these indicated. Inner disciplines are ones you do within yourself (meditation, prayer, fasting, study). The outer ones are the same, but others can see you doing them and perhaps the results (simplicity, solitude, submission, service... Foster loves his S's). Corporate disciplines involve interacting with others (confession, worship, guidance, celebration). A lot of these build on each other, and if you're swinging all of them, you're probably happy, joyous, and free (or celebrating, if you will). What I love the most about the book is his reminder that the pursuit of a Christ-centered life is all about change and bringing ourselves closer to God. To pray is to change. To confess is to change. To worship is to change. Celebration of Discipline, as a book, can be portrayed as a spiritual manual, which places emphasis on the idea of aligning with the one Universal Power . In such regards, getting the big picture, and absorbing the twelve Spiritual Disciplines, open the doors to a mind-blowing revelation. What advantages or disadvantages can you see in formalised liturgy as opposed to more informal worship styles? Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food or other things for a period of time. It helps us to focus on God and seek His will. Fasting also helps us to develop self-control and discipline in other areas of our lives.

Dr Tim Keller, Senior Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York, in a series of lecturers on prayer, teaches his congregation about Richard Foster’s approach to meditation and contemplative prayer. Foster writes, ‘Just as worship begins in Holy Expectancy it ends in Holy Obedience.’ What does that mean for you this next week?Wednesday - Jesus Christ our Saviour, Mediator and Advocate - 2 Corinthians 6:21; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1 Submission to the world – as part of an international community, to each other and to the wider creation. Why does study more fully bring about the transformation of the individual, compared to the other disciplines? Discipline is not always easy. It requires effort, commitment, and perseverance. But the benefits of discipline are worth the effort. When we practice discipline, we become more productive, efficient, and successful. We are also able to develop a sense of self-confidence and self-worth.

There is a body of teaching which instructs us to praise God for all things, there is another which urges us to praise God in all things. Do you feel that the difference is significant and if so why? The book is divided into three parts: Inward Disciplines, Outward Disciplines, and Corporate Disciplines. Each part covers various disciplines that are essential for spiritual growth. Inward Disciplines include meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. Outward Disciplines include simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. Corporate Disciplines include confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. That list looks a bit daunting at first, doesn’t it? But as you begin to read, what comes through most strongly is not a sense of dutiful worthiness but one of joy: deep, refreshing, life-giving joy. The author’s celebration of discipline is not just a hopeful title but a very clear reality. Discipline is often associated with punishment or strict rules, but it is much more than that. Discipline is the foundation of personal growth and development. It is the practice of training oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way. When we practice discipline, we develop good habits that help us achieve our personal goals. Make peace with yourself, and understand that there is not a single person in this world without any blemish. Key Lessons from “Celebration of Discipline”Why do you think a wholesome evening of side-splitting laughter with friends does you so much good?

Try praying this "Lord Jesus, I would so appreciate it if you would bring me someone today whom I can serve." I particularly needed to see Foster’s discussion of “true service” as not being about “results” or being a means of manipulation (pp. 128-9). He urges hiddenness (p. 130) and for believers not to feel contempt for small things (p. 136). But perhaps the most revolutionary teaching for me in this volume was on the ministry of forgiveness. Foster cites Jesus command to forgive (John 20:23) and points out how we miss opportunity to assure and bless our brothers and sisters by not practicing the act of verbal, specific forgiveness (p. 148). After the foreword, introduction and opening chapter (all of which are worth reading), the book is divided into three parts: The Inward Disciplines Our paster a couple weeks ago was discussing obedience, and in my best paraphrase he said there was not too much he could do today that would help him to grow in character and maturity, but over the course of years, a trajectory can change.

Celebration of discipline

I first read this book in 1996 and loved it. I re-read it in 2005 and got even more out of it the second time. The book is inspiring and is a good reminder of the way I can have a more Christ-centered life through discipline. The best bit is that the dancing and celebration is fuelled by the journey. Rather than alcohol-fuelled confidence, there is a sense of trust in the room that sees people dance the night out in celebration of freedom. All that God has done is tangible in the room alongside the neon lights, 80s tunes and UV paint! 2. Laughter!