Read Celebration of Discipline with me

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing a series of posts as I read through Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I invite you to join me in reading it or to follow along as I share my reflections. This book is both practical and deeply challenging, because it aims to do more than inspire us. It calls us to practice because this is how we grow spiritually.

There’s a difference between knowing what God says and allowing His Word to shape the way we live. Spiritual disciplines are not about working for God’s approval or earning God's favour. They are about creating space to enjoy His presence and allowing Him to shape us in godliness. This is not a book to rush through, so we can tick it off our reading list. It is a book to move through slowly and intentionally. For this reason, we will read and reflect on two chapters a month. This pace can support real, lasting change.

The content and format make it an excellent book to re-read. If you have read all or some of it before, you are welcome. You will likely know there is more to discover and deeper to go.

There’s a difference between knowing what God says and allowing His Word to shape the way we live.

Why Read Just Two Chapters a Month?

Perhaps you have started a Christian book with great intentions, only to either race through it (and forget much of what you read) or stall because life got busy and the pace was too demanding to be sustained.

Reading too quickly can lead to:

• Superficial understanding, where we grasp ideas, but they don’t shape us

• Overwhelm, because we encounter many concepts so quickly, we don't feel able to put any of them into action

• Missed transformation, as we finish a chapter but don't practise the discipline

  
  

On the other hand, reading slowly can create the kind of space where change can take root. As the adage goes: slow and steady wins the race. The chapters in Celebration of Discipline are not particularly long or difficult to read. But when reading books written to prompt change, it can be best to go slowly. The pages will contain things we have not read before, or we will encounter familiar concepts framed in new ways. A slower pace is required because spiritual disciplines take time to develop.

The structure of Celebration of Discipline encourages depth that requires time to develop.

Foster gives a chapter to each of the 12 disciplines and concludes each of these chapters with a 'For Study' section, inviting the reader to go deeper than reading alone. He includes further thoughts before providing seven days of related daily scripture readings, ten study questions, and suggestions for further reading. This book is not about mere knowledge acquisition; it's about reflection. So you see, this isn’t the kind of book you “get through”. It’s the kind you give time to sink in and put into practice.

By focusing on two chapters each month, we create room for:

• Deeper engagement with each discipline

• Engagement with the For Study section

• Practical application, not just theoretical knowledge

• Community interaction, as we share insights, questions, and lived experiences in the comments between chapters

This rhythm can help us move from gathering information to Biblical formation.

Why Celebration of Discipline

When it comes to personal growth and spiritual development, few books have stood the test of time like Richard J. Foster’s Celebration of Discipline. This classic work offers a clear and practical guide to cultivating spiritual habits that can transform a Christian's heart towards God. I enjoy reading, researching, and exploring various ways to deepen my relationship with God. I have seen the value of learning about and engaging with the Scriptures. fasting, prayer, and silence and solitude, but I am aware that I have only scratched the surface. This is an excellent book to read and reread. Although popular, I imagine many Christians have not come across it, making it the perfect choice to read and reflect on through this blog.

What Is Celebration of Discipline About?

Celebration of Discipline was first published in 1978 and explores the spiritual disciplines that have shaped Christian practice for centuries. Foster categorises these disciplines into three groups:

• Inward disciplines: meditation, prayer, fasting, and study

• Outward disciplines: simplicity, solitude, submission, and service

• Corporate disciplines: confession, worship, guidance, and celebration

  
  

The book is structured to introduce each discipline with clear explanations, biblical references, and practical advice. Foster's writing is accessible and encourages readers to engage deeply with their spiritual lives through the practice of intentional habits. Foster ends each chapter with a 'For Study' section, inviting the reader to go deeper than just reading alone. It contains further thoughts and provides seven days of related daily scripture readings, ten study questions, and suggestions for further reading.

About the Author

Richard J. Foster is a theologian and spiritual writer known for his work on Christian spirituality. He has served as a pastor and teacher, with a focus on helping people develop a meaningful relationship with God through disciplined practice. His approach combines ancient wisdom with modern application, making his work relevant across generations.

How to Read Celebration of Discipline with Me

There isn’t one “right” way to join me in reading Celebration of Discipline, so choose what suits you best. Here are some options:

Option 1: Read my post first

You can read my post before reading the two chapters. I aim to share in a way that inspires you to read the chapter and to highlight what stood out to me and why. I may share actions I will take as a result of what I read, or ways to pray.

Option 2: Read the chapters first

If you prefer to form your own impressions, read the two chapters first, then come back to my post for reflection prompts, encouragement, or ideas for practice.

Option 3: Reflect with me

You are welcome to follow along with the series even if you don't read the book at this time. Maybe you have read it before and don't want to reread it right now. Perhaps you are unsure about spiritual disciplines and want to read about the book before reading it for yourself. Whatever your reasons, you are warmly invited to read and engage with my reflections, two chapters at a time.

If you choose to read Celebration of Discipline with me, you will need the book, which is available in a range of formats. You would also benefit from having a dedicated notebook or digital space to record your reflections.

Get more from the journey

If you’d like to stay in the loop:

• Subscribe to the blog (scroll down this page) to receive notifications when new posts are published

• Share your thoughts in the comments: Spiritual growth is often strengthened through community, and your insight may be exactly what someone else needs.

Blessing in Action: Read Celebration of Discipline with me

We are blessed to have access to a wealth of books that can help us better understand God, the Bible, and how to live in ways that please God. If, like me, you have a few such books at home or in an online shopping basket or wish list waiting to be purchased, choose just two or three you'll read over the next 12 months. Commit to reading each one slowly, seeking understanding from the Holy Spirit, and putting what you read into practice.

Not sure what to read? Visit Readers' Corner for inspiration.

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Are you interested in joining a book club?

I’m hosting a book club later this year. We will read and discuss a book that connects with one or more of the themes we often explore here: the Word of God, prayer, fasting, and silence + solitude. Here’s what it could look like:

• Online

• Evenings (UK time)

• Weekly or every other week, for 1 hour or 1 hour and 15 minutes

• Open to anyone 18+

• A space for discussion and practical takeaways

If you’d like to be the first to hear the book choice and dates, you can register your interest without committing to anything. It will help me gauge interest and share updates with the right people.

Registering interest does not add you to this site's mailing list (though you’re very welcome to subscribe separately if you’d like).

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