Adequately written with lots of quotes, some stories, and understandable writing, Celebration of Discipline is a classic that deserves a read by any Christian wanting to take their faith seriously, slowly, ponderously, and in the end, with great reward. Part of this is a difference theological emphasis, but I suspect it also comes down to a difference in personality. Seeking first God’s kingdom and the righteousness, both personal and social, of that kingdom is the only thing that can be central in the Spiritual Discipline of simplicity” (p87).

I will continue to refer back to this book for years to come for wisdom, encouragement, and it’s references.Foster provides a wealth of examples demonstrating how these disciplines can become part of our daily activities--and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and 'bring the abundance of God into our lives. Rather, Foster quotes the contemplative monk, Thomas Merton, as stating that we are all “beginners” all of our lives (p. There's also a smugness about him that seems to eventually settle on a lot of people who deal long in the preaching profession, especially if they get airtime. How could you begin a conversation with Jesus throughout your day which sets a different posture of your heart to worship him?

Celebration of Discipline will help motivate Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth. I love the logical arrangement of chapters, the frank yet nuanced writing style, the direct applicability, and the church history Foster weaves together. The disciplines are meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration.

They need not be practiced perfectly, nor daily, but "practice" is key (and "practice" implies imperfection). It isn’t the most brilliant theological work that I’ve read in recent days, but it is a devotional/theological work that I will use over and over again as I try to let God work through me.