The Circle Maker

This book inspired me to start my own prayer circle and begin circling my faith, my family, and friends in prayer in new and exciting ways. My faith and my prayers are forever changed.

A must read!

Amazing read. Already told someone else to read so they can be blessed.

Amazing inspiration for literally anyone who prays or wants to but is unsure. Kick it up a notch and read this book!

Mark Batterson does a great job at provoking big dreamers in this book. The first day I started reading it I started scribbling my biggest dreams in my journal. Some of those dreams had almost died. I appreciate his zeal and encouragement in pushing people to revive themselves. I love the rituals and new practices that Mark pushes the reader to try. It’s totally reshaped my prayer life and has helped me spiritually in so many ways. I read this book and was called to repentance immediately. My prayer life needed to completely change. He has a very inspiring story that everyone should be reading about and learning from. His personal discipline and character is constantly in line with scripture, and it’s no surprise that he is leading such a mature church. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars and not five is because in some ways Marks description of his life and the things that have happened are so fairytale like. Most people in this world will not experience this type of success and prosperity. The way he writes about prayer can seem formulaic at times, almost like a get rich quick scheme. He uses examples about receiving million dollar checks, starting million dollar businesses, and building a massive church to hook readers early in the book, but makes no mentions about how his type of success is so marginal. The truth is, for some people, no matter how hard they pray, work, and fight for their dream, even if it’s God focused, it may never happen. Why don’t you cover this and talk about it? For people like me who have been praying for their entire life and working toward their dreams faithfully their entire lives and haven’t had this type of experience, it kind of leaves you in the dust. Leaves you questioning yourself, what did he do right and what did I do wrong. I think it’s important for Mark to spend more time discussing those circumstances. Not just saying to simply; Pray Through, Don’t have an ASAP type of prayer mindset, Work like it depends on you and Pray like it Depends on God, or Think Long. He has to dig deeper into the harsh realities that he has lived a very unique experience and he has been blessed beyond what most of humanity will ever experience, and not because God doesn’t care, it’s just the reality of the world when looking at privilege and circumstance. I understand that I have been hurt and prayers that I have been praying for years haven’t been answered, but that’s most of the world. You need a chapter about praying through the hurt of never having a prayer answered, letting go of a dream, or God pointing you into a new direction. In my opinion this would make a more complete book about prayer. Thanks for your hard work Mark. I can’t thank you enough for the journey in prayer you have revived in me. Hope that you or your team are reading these reviews and take them into consideration. I’m sure you do. Also, I emailed you, but never got an email back. Maybe I’ll write a letter instead. God Bless you and your family. Keep writing amazing books.

Amazingly insightful! Can’t wait to start the Draw the Circle 40 day prayer challenge!