Humans have long discovered a set of practices that help change lives for the better and orient the heart toward God. Over time a set of them were known as Spiritual Practices, Spiritual Disciplines, or even Means of Grace.
Richard J. Foster published a seminal book approachable by all called “Celebration of Discipline.” Somewhat later, Dallas Willard published “The Spirit of the Disciplines.” Foster was a Quaker pastor. Willard was a professor of philosophy. For a time, Willard was a member of Foster’s congregation. (I would have loved to have been there at the time.) You can tell the difference in orientation by reading the two books.
The disciplines (others say practices) do not bind one as in a straitjacket. They are meant to be incorporated in the routines of life that lead to the sort of freedom that Jesus taught or that Paul tried to explain especially in his letter to the Galatians.
Foster narrowed his topic to a “Top Twelve” disciplines or practices. My writing at this blog and my other teaching has a root in these. Probably too much on meditation and study along with service (my strengths, I guess). Submission and confession probably reside at the bottom of my list. (Note to self: something to work on.)
I offer this list of disciplines that Foster describes in some depth in the book. They are worthy of reflection regarding where we are on this journey. And as a reminder of where we should shore up our personal practices.
Inward Disciplines
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Study
Outward Disciplines
- Simplicity
- Solitude
- Submission
- Service
Corporate Disciplines
- Confession
- Worship
- Guidance
- Celebration
Faith Venture 
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