This fall I re-read one of my favourite books - Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. As I read, I was struck by the richness and depth of the book, and just how good it is. I’m a fast reader…but I had to go slow. To process, consider, journal, and put into practice what I was encountering. As I reflected on just how full this book is of good, practical (life-changing!) truth, I mused that one could easily spend a long time really digesting and applying the material, and that to do so would be incredibly worthwhile.
So, I decided I would. This year is my year of celebrating discipline! Foster’s book explores twelve disciplines of the spiritual life. They are divided into three categories – inward disciplines, such as meditation, prayer, fasting, and study; outward disciplines, which include simplicity, solitude, submission and service; and finally the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration. Twelve disciplines, twelve months…I bet you can see where this is going. I plan to devote one month to each discipline. Each month I will respond to the chapter, explore practicing that discipline, reflect on my experience, and consider other authors and scripture related to the topic.
I would love it if you’d join me!!!
While the Disciplines – even the word discipline - may sound daunting and overwhelming for normal, average people, Foster encourages us that it’s those exact people that these are for. He says “God intends the Disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings: people who have jobs, who care for children, who wash dishes and mow lawns (1).
So, will you join me? One chapter a month. Read, respond, practice, reflect? My time in this book has already been so rewarding, and I am certain that diving deeper into the disciplines will do nothing but bless.
To kick off my year of celebrating discipline, I am giving away one copy of the book! The giveaway is open until midnight on December 31.
Ugh, the first person to comment never wins lol. >:(
OK, for my entry – I feel I would be more disciplined if I could get my girls to sleep at roughly the same time. As it is, one is up late, the other is up early, and I have very little time to myself. I need to be willing to give up that precious time to focus on prayer and meditation but haven’t been able to do so yet. Maybe an inspiring book would help?
Working it around kids is SO hard! Right now my plan is to get up after Ezra’s usual 5-5:30am feed…is that crazy?!? Sustainable? We’ll find out…
…Love this idea. I find living in a small remote community one of the areas I need to be more disciplined is taking time for worship and study…it’s hard being alone doing these things. Oh, how I miss small groups! I think I would love to join you on this quest. I hope I win the book!
Sarah – I can imagine it would be tricky without community to join!!! Glad to hear you’ll be coming along!
…it is one of downside of living in a remote community of 1400 people at the Arctic Circle!
Happy New Year… 
I’d love to be in it. I started Foster’s book some years ago.
Glad to have you join us!
I have a copy from my days at Heritage, so don’t include me, but count me in on the celebration of discipline group. I think I even tried to start reading it a month or two ago, so this is well timed. Thanks Rachel!
It’s a goodie! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it – glad you’re going to come along!
I would love to join in. I’ve had this book on my list to read for over a year now!
So glad to have you with us!
I’d say all the internal disciplines, for a similar reason to Tamara… just lack time! And adding in a second baby soon, I need to make it a priority, potentially invading my precious sleep time…
The sleep thing really is important! There are times when I know I have been better off grabbing a few extra hours of sleep instead of praying…apparently Richard Foster in his book called “Prayer” has a “special dispensation for mothers of young children” – even he acknowledges it can be impossible at times! But yes, still vital to work in these habits around our little ones.
hurray I found the reply spot lol My problem would be getting started. Once the ball is rolling i feel i can keep it rolling, it is just that initial push.
Love the book- haven’t read it in a while- can’t even find my copy right now! Love to join a group in reading slowly and savouring the thoughts.