Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson
Week 4: Days 17–24 — Pray Hard
Read Days 17–24 of Draw the Circle. Key Scriptures: James 5:16–18; 1 Kings 18:41–45 (Elijah praying for rain); Romans 8:26–27.
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This section raises the intensity — Batterson explores what it means to pray hard, to pray with spiritual sweat and tears, and to believe that fervent prayer makes a real difference in what happens in the world.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.James 5:16 says 'the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,' and then holds up Elijah as an example. What is surprising about using Elijah as a model, given that James calls him 'a human being, even as we are'? What does that remind you about who God uses in prayer?
2.Elijah prays seven times before rain appears (1 Kings 18:41–45). Batterson draws attention to the servant's report of 'a cloud as small as a man's hand.' What does it mean to look for small signs of an answer while still praying hard for the full answer?
3.Batterson distinguishes between 'saying prayers' and actually praying — between going through religious motions and truly engaging God with passion and expectation. What tends to move your own prayer from the mechanical to the genuine?
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