Celebration of Discipline will help Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth. And whenever there is a form devoid of spiritual power, law will take over because law always carries with it a sense of security and manipulative power” (p47). The discussion of celebration, often the most neglected of the disciplines, shows its critical importance, for it stands at the heart of the way to Christ. I thought I knew all about service since I try to see where I can be helpful to God or others throughout the day, but the book took it in a different direction, not to mention a rather demanding one.

Much in simplicity was akin to Marxism which I'm completely against, but there's a caveat that made it more palatable. The history of religion is the story of an almost desperate scramble to have a king, a mediator, a priest, a pastor, a go-between. He offers crucial new insights on simplicity, demonstrating how the biblical view of simplicity, properly understood and applied, brings joy and balance to our inward and outward lives and 'sets us free to enjoy the provision of God as a gift that can be shared with others.In our day heaven and earth are on tiptoe waiting for the emergence of a Spirit-led, Spirit-intoxicated, Spirit-empowered people.

The fact that this book is one of the top ten most influential books for Americans identifying as Christians over the last 50 or so years is severely troubling. He unveils what's wrong with our current definition of "spiritual growth" and offers not only a model of spirituality that actually works, but seven steps to change that will help you experience authentic faith and hunger for God. As in his work on prayer, Foster quotes Martin Luther as stating that he is “so busy” that he must spend hours in prayer each day (p. If you’re simply engaging with our series and not directly with the book, then follow this guide for the first route for mediation: Meditation upon Scripture. If you’re reading the book alongside us then have a read and choose whichever route you want to practise.He discusses ways to make prayers more personal and powerful, and how to establish a practice of prayer that works for each listener. It felt a little elementary, but at the same time, they were great reminders on prayer, studying, joy, and a handful of other disciplines. These disciplines include meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration.