Draw the Circle

Draw the Circle is a 40-day prayer challenge that builds on Mark Batterson's previous book The Circle Maker. Through daily readings and prayer prompts, Batterson guides readers in establishing consistent prayer habits focused on specific goals and dreams. Each day contains a scripture passage, brief teaching, and practical exercises for implementing Circle-Making prayer methods. The book emphasizes persistence in prayer through repetition and bold requests, while maintaining surrender to God's ultimate will. Believers learn to "draw circles" around their prayers through practices like fasting, journaling, and praying at set times. The text includes real-world examples of answered prayers from Batterson's congregation at National Community Church and other sources. The book reframes how Christians approach prayer, moving from passive requests to active spiritual engagement. This systematic approach to prayer combines ancient Biblical principles with contemporary application for modern believers.

Readers describe this 40-day prayer devotional as practical and encouraging, with short daily readings that build prayer habits. Many note it helped them develop consistency in prayer and shift their perspective on what prayer can accomplish. Readers appreciated: - Brief, focused daily entries that fit busy schedules - Real-life examples and testimonies - Clear action steps and prayer prompts - Writing style that feels conversational Common criticisms: - Too much focus on "bold" prayers and dramatic answers - Some found it repetitive of Batterson's other books - Several mentioned discomfort with prosperity gospel undertones - A few felt examples were unrealistic for average people Ratings: Amazon: 4.8/5 (4,800+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.5/5 (3,900+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Changed how I view prayer, but I struggled with parts that implied God always gives dramatic answers if we just pray hard enough." - Goodreads reviewer

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson A practical guide that expands on the core prayer concepts with personal stories and biblical foundations.

Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels The text outlines a structured approach to developing prayer habits through specific times, places, and methods.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala This book connects prayer to church transformation through the story of Brooklyn Tabernacle's growth.

Dangerous Prayers by Craig Groeschel The book presents prayers that push believers beyond comfort zones into deeper spiritual territory.

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy J. Keller A theological framework combines with practical applications to establish prayer as a two-way communication with God.

🔹 Author Mark Batterson wrote this book as a 40-day prayer challenge, inspired by his own experience of drawing a prayer circle around a building in Washington, D.C., which later became the site of his church, National Community Church. 🔹 The concept of "prayer circles" in the book is partially inspired by the story of Honi the Circle Maker, an ancient Jewish scholar who drew a circle in the sand and refused to leave until God sent rain during a severe drought. 🔹 National Community Church, led by Batterson, has grown from a small congregation to eight locations across the D.C. metro area, with many locations uniquely situated in movie theaters and other non-traditional spaces. 🔹 The book has sparked a movement of "circle makers" - people who practice focused, persistent prayer by metaphorically drawing circles around their prayer requests, following the book's principles. 🔹 Draw the Circle is actually part of a series that includes The Circle Maker and Praying Circles Around Your Children, with combined sales exceeding one million copies worldwide.