In chapter 9 of his book Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster focuses on the Spiritual Discipline of Service:
As the cross is the sign of submission, so the towel is the sign of service…Having lived out servanthood before the disciples, Jesus called them to live the way of service. ‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you as an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.’ (John 13:14-15)…. More than any single way the grace of humility is worked into our lives through the Discipline of service. … When we set out on a consciously chosen course of action that accents the good of others and is for the most part a hidden work, a deep change occurs in our spirit. … There is the service of hospitality…..There is the service of listening …..There is the service of bearing the burdens of each other….Finally, there is the service of sharing the word of Life with one another…. The risen Christ beckons us to the ministry of the towel….
PRAYER
Perhaps you would like to begin by experimenting with a prayer that a number of us have used. Begin the day by praying ‘Lord Jesus, I would so appreciate it if You would bring me someone today whom I can serve.” Amen.