Meditation sends us into our ordinary world with greater perspective and balance.

— Richard J. Foster

Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in suddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered. If we stoutly refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, we crucify it. Every time we crucify the flesh, we crucify our pride and arrogance.

— Richard J. Foster

Of all spiritual disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father.

— Richard J. Foster

Radical self-denial gives the feel of adventure. If we forsake all, we even have the chance of glorious martyrdom. But in service, we must experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves. Service banishes us to the mundane, the ordinary, the trivial

— Richard J. Foster

Restriction often enhances clarity.

— Richard J. Foster

Silence frees us from the need to control others. One reason we can hardly bear to remain silent is that it makes us feel so helpless. We are accustomed to relying upon words to manage and control others. A frantic stream of words flows from us in an attempt to straighten others out. We want so desperately for them to agree with us, to see things our way. We evaluate people, judge people, condemn people. Furthermore, we devour people with our words. Silence is one of the deepest Disciplines of the Spirit simply because it puts the stopper on that. When we become quiet enough to let go of people, we learn compassion for them.

— Richard J. Foster

Simplicity enables us to live lives of integrity in the face of the terrible realities of our global village.

— Richard J. Foster

Spiritual disciplines answer the shallow world.

— Richard J. Foster

Study cannot happen until we are subject to the subject.

— Richard J. Foster

The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.

— Richard J. Foster