Joshua Lopez

Mr. Cevallos
17 September 2015
Celebration of Discipline
In the book Celebration of Discipline, the author, Richard J. Foster, explains the various
disciplines it takes to perfect your daily walk with God and become the person God wants you to
be. There are twelve major disciplines: meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude,
submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. Foster begins with the
discipline of meditation. He mentions that meditation is the first of the inward disciplines, and
points out that in order to have a deep and intimate relationship with God, one must meditate
fully on God and His word. Meditation in this book is defined as listening to Gods word,
reflecting on Gods work, rehearsing Gods deeds, and ruminating on Gods law. Foster then
proceeds with the discipline of prayer. Foster states that prayer catapults us onto the frontier of
the spiritual life. Foster explains how prayer is one of the most central disciplines because it is
the sole basis of communion with the Father. Foster mentions that prayer is a learning process it
is something that has to picked up and learned. He also mentions that prayer is the thing that God
uses to change us and help us in our daily lives. The next discipline is the discipline of fasting.
Foster mentions that fasting was very common in biblical times. He says that fasting is done in
order to grow in a spiritual manner. Foster states that fasting is the complete abstinence from
consuming solids and liquids. This is called an absolute fast. People dont regularly do an
absolute fast, unless theyre trying to get a specific answer or response from God. Foster then
goes into the discipline of study. Foster states that study is a specific kind of experience in
which through careful attention to reality the mind is enabled to move in a certain direction.

Foster explains how we are transformed through the renewal of the mind, and that the mind is
renewed by applying it to those things that will transform it. He tells us that there are many
Christians that remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not consider or
act upon the discipline of study. Foster elaborates on the fact that God uses study to change us.
He proclaims that the knowledge of the truth will set us free. The next discipline is the discipline
of simplicity. Foster mentions that simplicity is freedom. Foster explains that with the practice
of simplicity comes the futility of pride and status. Simplicity also induces a lack of extravagance
and haughtiness. The next discipline is the discipline of solitude. Here, Foster differentiates
between loneliness and solitude. He explains that loneliness is inner emptiness, and solitude is
inner fulfillment. Foster mentions that solitude is more of a state of mind and heart than it is a
place. Though loneliness can often trouble us and overwhelm us, solitude brings peace and
inner fulfillment.
I really enjoyed reading this book and appreciate the various disciplines it offers. This
book revealed to me that in order to become the person God wants me to be, I must discipline
myself in various areas. I have come to see this book as a guide to perfect my walks with God
and to deepen my relationship with Jesus.