One of the books on my 2009-2010 reading list is Celebration Of Discipline by Richard Foster. I read this book my freshman year at Ozark Christian College, for my Christian Life class. And it has rested on my shelf since then, used somewhat frequently as a resource, or to read an excerpt or chapter as needed. But I haven’t sat down and read the entire thing from front to back since college.

This year, I decided to re-read it in its entirety. And I am blessed because I did.

Foster set out to write a much needed examination of several spiritual disciplines that can deepen the spiritual life. These are by no means the only disciplines that can help one grow as a Christian; but they are many of the most ancient, and most recommended by the church fathers throughout Christian history. The practice of these (and other) disciplines is what Foster calls “the door to liberation.”

Foster breaks a list of twelve disciplines into three major categories: the inward disciplines, the outward disciplines, and the corporate disciplines.

The Inward Disciplines are a set of four spiritual disciplines that each individual needs to incorporate into his personal, daily life. These are the things that will help one grow personally in a relationship with the Savior. These include meditation, prayer, fasting and study.

In the second set of four disciplines, Foster reveals areas that are displayed in the public life, and not only in the private life like the inward disciplines. These disciples are simplicity, solitude, submission and service.

Finally, the corporate disciplines are those that God uses when we practice these in community with other believers. Confession, worship, guidance and celebration round out this list.

In Celebration Of Discipline, Foster has created a resource that has encouraged believers for over a quarter of a century to become more solid in their faith. The examinations of these disciplines has help innumerable people strengthen their relationships with Jesus. Just like it has help me, both the first time I read this book, and now the most recent.

I fully recommend Celebration Of Discipline. For one who is serious about growing in their faith, this resource is indispensible, and Foster’s encouragement is very timely, even though it was written originally in 1978. In that regard, its timeliness contributes to making it a timeless classic.

If you are interested in reading Celebration of Discipline, you can purchase it at Amazon.com.

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