A revised edition of 『Spiritual Training and Growth』, a masterpiece by spiritual theologian Richard Foster.
As the subtitle suggests, “The Path to Becoming a Mature Christian,” this book introduces the path to spiritual growth through internal training, external training, and group training.
Disciplines such as meditation, fasting, study, solitude, submission, and receiving guidance transform our outward habits, allowing the "abundance of God" to come into our lives.

I had read in the Bible about confession between Christian brothers, but I had not experienced it until I began my first ministry in a church.
I was unable to take the difficult step of opening up my inner life to another person because of guilt or pressure.
Yet I thought I had done nothing wrong except for one thing.
I just longed for greater power to do God's work.
There were many pressing issues facing me, and I felt incompetent to handle them.
I needed greater spiritual resources than I was experiencing.
I prayed.
“Lord, is there anything else you want to give me in my life? I want to be occupied and ruled by you.
“If there is any obstacle that is blocking the power of God from coming into my life, please show me that obstacle.” The Lord showed me that obstacle.
The Lord did not reveal Himself to me through an audible voice or a human voice, but rather by making me increasingly aware that something in my past was blocking the flow of His life.
So I came up with a plan.

--- From the text