Running head: CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINES 1

Spiritual Disciplines

Name

Institution
CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE 2

Inward Disciplines

The Discipline of Meditation

Foster defines meditation as the capability to receive God’s voice and observe his

word. Also, the discipline deals with devoting some time to think about God, his goodness,

love, faithfulness and other attributes related to Him. Christians use meditation as a form of

prayer with an attempt to be aware of and reflect on God’s revelations. In the Bible, the

servants of God knew the ways of meditation, (Foster, 1992). Referring to Genesis 24: 36,

the Bible says that, “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening."

Further, David says, “I think of thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the

watches of the night.” These are only among the few illustrations where men of God applied

this discipline of meditation in their walk with God. Meditation is a necessary discipline that

every Christian should use in their day to day living. Meditation has helped me to cultivate a

more intimate relationship with Christ since I have had more time with him.

The Discipline of Prayer

Amongst all the disciplines, prayer reigns supreme since it ushers us into more

constant communion with our Lord. God uses prayer, as a means to transform and restore our

lives. The disciples, having seen Jesus going in seclusion to pray, every time He was with

them, got the desire to know how to pray. They, therefore, asked Jesus to show them how to

pray. In the books of James however, the Bible warns us to pray with the right intentions, so

that we may not pray amiss. Prayer with understanding is dominant, where we as Christians

can use to overcome our adversary, the devil.

CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE 3

From this book, I have learnt more on how to pray better, with a purpose and

understanding, why we pray, and what I should do while praying. I have also discovered how

to incorporate fasting into the discipline of prayer. I have understood that the aspect of

preceding food to have some time with Christ is such an important thing.

The Discipline of Study

According to Foster, the significant role of study is to transform a Christian wholly.

Study majorly focuses on replacing the old habits with new life-giving habits that mirrors

Christ’s character. He further notes that many Christians perish in the bondage of sin,

anxieties, and fears simply because we do not devote ourselves to the discipline of study.

Without study, we will remain to be spiritual dwarfs, (Foster, 1992). After learning the

subject of study, I have decided to create some time every day, to study the word and other

material concerning the word of God. This has transformed my mind as Paul tells us in the

book of Romans. I am more knowledgeable about Christ, his word, and all the attributes

related to him.

Outward Disciplines

The Discipline of Simplicity

Simplicity is designed to promote a simple but a dignified Christian lifestyle.

Simplicity brings joy and balance in a Christian's life. Simplicity itself is inward, but its

effects are seen in the outward, (Foster, 1992). Jesus, through his life and teachings, was a

true epitome of simplicity. While he was giving a parable in one of his lessons, he exhorted

the rich young ruler, not only to detach himself from earthly possessions but to get rid of the

possessions if he wanted to acquire the kingdom of God. However, it is important to note that
CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE 4

simplicity may become a form of idolatry if it precedes the vigor for seeking God’s kingdom.

From the teachings, I have learnt that I should strive to live a simplified and dignified life

rather than an extravagant one without the fear of God in me.

The Discipline of Submission

It is noted that amongst all the spiritual disciplines Christians exercise, submission is

one that is most abused. A deficient understanding of the discipline could be blamed for this

scenario. The bible describes submission as the act of accepting or yielding to superior power

or authority. Submission is not forced but comes from the heart, Paul tells us that wives

should submit to their husbands just as a man submits to God, but with love, (Foster, 1992).

Without love, Paul says, it would be impossible to effect any of the spiritual disciplines.

From this understanding I have learnt how not to abuse the subject of submission but use it to

the will God desired.

The Discipline of Solitude

There is a difference between loneliness and solitude. Jesus has called us from a place

of loneliness to solitude. Inward solitude always manifests outward manifestations. Being

alone brings freedom not loneliness, and hence we can hear what God wants for us better.

Solitude increases sensitivity and compassion for one another, which is a positive attribute.

This discipline can also be effected together with other disciplines such as meditation, as they

are of the mind. I have learnt to seek God through solitude, devoting the self in me to be

away from other people, responsibilities, and activities, just to be with God. One of the

significant benefit solitude has yielded in my life is that it always gives me an opportunity to

stay away from the unending pressures of life, but be with God.
CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE 5

The Discipline of Service

The Bible encourages us not to be weary of doing well for we shall reap the fruits, but

only if we do not faint. There is absolute liberty in service. This is however manifested if

only we exercise humility. Most people, however, get lost in discerning between self-

righteous service and true service. Self-righteous service is accompanied by human effort,

selfishness, and desire to be praised by others. It demands external awards, affected by

moods and whims and it’s temporary. True service, however, is God-led. It is submissive,

accompanied with love, humility, and kindness, (Foster, 1992). It does not show off with an

intent to be recognized by other humans. From this, I have learnt, above all, to show service

to fellow man and God, but with utmost love and humility. With knowledge of the promises

of God on those who show unwavering service, I am willing to show the same to my fellow

men but mostly to my father in heaven.

The Discipline of Worship

William Temple defines the act of worship as a way of quickening the conscience of

the holiness of God, feeding our minds with the truth of God, experience the beauty and love

of God, with a means to devote the will and purpose of God in our lives. God is always

seeking true worshippers. He, however, warns us that even if we humans do not worship him,

He will raise stones to praise him, (Foster, 1992). God is not desperate for our worship; it is

out of love and the personal relationship we have with him that makes us worship him. We

can worship God in any place, at any time. However, true worship must also correlate with

the kind of life we live in. I have learnt to devote my whole life to God and worship Him in

truth and spirit. I would love to live by Jesus’ response to Satan which he said, “You shall

worship the Lord your God and Him alone you shall serve.”
CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE 6

References

Foster, R. J. (1992). Celebrating the Disciplines: A Journal Workbook to

Accompany``Celebration of Discipline''. Harper Collins.