The Circle Maker

1.Batterson describes how Honi's prayer was not merely a request but a covenant-like act — he physically placed himself inside the circle and refused to leave. What does this physical, embodied commitment say about the nature of persistent prayer?

1.Batterson shares the story of how National Community Church (NCC) came to own property on Capitol Hill — a process that involved years of prayer, setbacks, and what seemed like closed doors. What strikes you most about the way that story unfolded?

1.Batterson describes Benaiah's act of chasing a lion into a pit as the defining moment of his career — the moment that led to him becoming commander of David's army. What does this suggest about the relationship between faith-fueled risk and God-given opportunity?

1.Batterson argues that most people "dream too small" not because they lack faith, but because they have a small view of God. How does your vision of God directly shape the size of your prayers?

1.Jesus' parable of the friend at midnight (Luke 11) hinges on the word "shamelessness" or "boldness" (Greek: anaideia). Batterson emphasizes this word. What does it mean to approach God with holy shamelessness, and does that feel comfortable or uncomfortable to you?

1.Batterson shares that some of his most significant answered prayers took years — even decades — of persistent prayer. What is your emotional reaction to that kind of prayer timeline? Does it encourage you or discourage you?

1.Jacob's all-night wrestling match with God (Genesis 32) is Batterson's central image for "praying through." Jacob's prayer was so physically intense it left him with a permanent limp. What does that suggest about the cost of real prayer?

1.Batterson introduces the idea of writing "life goals" — a list of dreams and prayers that span a lifetime. He personally has a list of hundreds of such goals. What is your initial reaction to that practice — inspiring, overwhelming, or something else?

1.Batterson bases this chapter on Habakkuk 2:2 — "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets." Why does God command the writing down of vision and prayer? What does the act of writing do that mental prayer alone does not?

1.Batterson uses the metaphor of "connecting the dots" — looking back at how seemingly unrelated experiences, prayers, and opportunities have formed a picture of God's plan. Looking back at your own life, what dots can you now see were being connected, even when you couldn't see it at the time?

1.Batterson defines "favor" not as God giving us whatever we want, but as God's face being toward us — a posture of grace and blessing. How is that different from the kind of "favor" sometimes promised in popular Christian culture?

1.Which chapter or concept from The Circle Maker had the greatest impact on you, and why? How has your understanding of prayer changed since you began this study?