What I’m Reading: The Circle Maker

My husband is one of the most stable, steady men I know. Because of this, when I see him truly get inspired and excited by something, I know it’s going to be big. Such is the case with Mark Batterson’s “The Circle Maker.” He could not put this book down when he began it,and his excitement became contagious, as I am now experiencing that same feeling in my own journey through it.

The premise of the book comes from the story of Honi, a legendary Jewish figure in 1 BC, whose bold prayer for rain in drought was answered as a result of his equally bold decision to draw a literal circle on the ground. He went so far as to say that he would not move himself from that circle until God had answered his prayer. Hence the premise of “praying circles” is born. Your initial response to hearing this concept may be similar to what mine was: “Wait, is this some sort of Jabez-esque formula to make me rich and guarantee health and prosperity?”

Let me assure you, that this book is far from that. While the challenges are daring in terms of calling people to the next level in their prayer and dream lives, the concept is basic: God honors bold prayers, because bold prayers honor God. Batterson is also quick to clarify that our desires must first become God’s desires in order for these prayers to be answered to begin with – a hugely important and often overlooked distinction.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the first few chapters:

“Who you become is determined by how you pray. Ultimately, the transcript of your prayers becomes the script of your life.”

“Nuanced (specific) prayers give God an opportunity to reveal more shades of His sovereignty.”

“It’s not about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about being the right person, even if you find yourself in the wrong circumstances.”

“…we shouldn’t seek answers as much as we should seek God.”

I would highly recommend this book, particularly if you are at a place of transition, seeking God’s direction, or, frankly, just about any place on your walk with God. It’s relevant to the everyday journey, as well as the long-term goals that we all have (or want to have). Batterson has a nice, easy flow to his writing, and he punctuates his points with plenty of stories from his own life that add character and humanity to this bold topic. I have been challenged, encouraged, and then challenged again. Pick up a copy today!