In chapter 13 of his book Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster focuses on the Spiritual Discipline of Celebration. :
Celebration is at the heart of the way of Christ. He entered the world on a high note of jubilation: “I bring you good news of a great joy,” cried the angel, “which shall come to all the people.” (Luke 2:10) He left the world bequeathing His joy to the disciples: “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)…..
Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines…. [Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration]….
Joy is the end result of the Spiritual Disciplines’ having functioned in our lives…..
We see how ‘meditation’ heightens our spiritual sensitivity, which in turn leads to ‘prayer.’ Very soon we discover that prayer involves ‘fasting’ as an accompanying means. Informed by these three Disciplines we can effectively move into ‘study’ which gives us discernment about ourselves and the world in which we live.
Through ‘simplicity’ we live with others in integrity. ‘Solitude’ allows us to be genuinely present to people when we are with them. Through ‘submission’ we live with others without manipulation, and through ‘service’ we are a blessing to them.
‘Confession’ frees us from ourselves and releases us to ‘worship.’ Worship opens the door to ‘guidance.’ All the Disciplines freely exercised bring forth the doxology of ‘celebration.’
Prayer
Wonderful God, as I search my soul deeply in all these spiritual activities, help me find the joy of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.