Introduction
In “Celebration of Discipline” (1) Richard Foster lists twelve spiritual disciplines which are: meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance and celebration. Ultimately, however, he writes that his list is not comprehensive and can be supplemented with others of one’s choice (Foster, 13). Those listed are described as concrete things that can be done to bring about spiritual transformation within, such as “liberation from self-interest and fear” (Foster, 2, 110). He mentions them as three different varieties (inward, outward and corporate disciplines) with four in each category but writes that the keynote of them all is “joy” (Foster, 2). The inward disciplines are meditation, prayer, fasting and study. Outward disciplines are simplicity, solitude, submission and service. Corporate disciplines are given as confession, worship, guidance and celebration. Of all the disciplines listed he claims that simplicity, prayer and celebration are among the most important (Foster, 79, 191). All are described in a biblical format and presented as the means to experience God more fully rather than apprehend Him intellectually.
Foster gives special mention to simplicity and to prayer. Simplicity, as “an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle,” is important in order to attain an orientation to life that is without greed and coveting (Foster, 79). Being content is given as a godly disposition and certainly a biblical position for the Christian (Philippians 4:11; I Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). Prayer is also presented as being “central to all the disciplines” (Foster, 191) and is involved in meditation, fasting, study, solitude, confession and worship. “Dutch Sheets” in his book, “Intercessory Prayer,” (Sheets, 42) defines this type of prayer as such: “Intercessory prayer is an extension of the ministry of Jesus Christ through His Body, the Church, whereby we mediate between God...