The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears

Mark Batterson bases his approach on the ancient story of Honi the Circle Maker, a man who drew a ring in the sand and vowed not to move until God sent rain. The book instructs readers to identify specific, audacious goals and physically or figuratively "circle" them in persistent prayer. Batterson outlines how to pray through the lens of God's promises rather than immediate circumstances. He uses personal anecdotes from founding a church in Washington, D.C., and historical examples to illustrate how bold requests lead to specific divine interventions and miracles.

This book is intended for Christians who feel their spiritual life has become a routine or who are intimidated by significant challenges. Readers look to this text for a practical methodology to revive a stagnant prayer life and overcome the fear of asking for "impossible" outcomes. Those who finish the book walk away with a framework for identifying their primary life ambitions and a discipline for maintaining focus through long-term, repeated prayer until they see a resolution.