The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
Week 1: Preface & Introduction — The Legend of the Circle Maker
Read the Preface and Introduction of The Circle Maker. Primary Scripture: Habakkuk 2:2–3; Mark 11:24.
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Before diving into the chapters, take a moment to consider what drew you to this book — and what you are secretly hoping God might do in your life.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Batterson opens by retelling the legend of Honi the circle maker, who drew a circle in the dirt and prayed until rain fell. What was your first reaction to that story — inspiration, skepticism, or something else? Why?
2.Batterson says the legend of Honi "forever changed the way I pray." Has a single story or experience ever significantly shifted the way you approach prayer? If so, what happened?
3.The Talmud records that Simeon ben Shetah scolded Honi for his boldness, yet also acknowledged that God honored the prayer. What does this tension suggest about the relationship between reverence and boldness in prayer?
4.Batterson introduces the idea that "God is not honored by timid prayers." Do you agree with this? How does this challenge or confirm how you have been praying?
5.The book's central metaphor is "drawing a circle" — identifying a specific dream or need and praying persistently around it.
a.What would it look like for you to draw a prayer circle right now — what would you put inside the circle?
b.What makes you hesitant or reluctant to pray that boldly?
6.Batterson frames bold prayer not as a formula for getting what we want, but as an act of faith in who God is. How does that distinction guard against treating prayer like a vending machine?
7.As you begin this study, write down one "impossible" prayer request — something you have wanted to bring to God but have been afraid to pray specifically or boldly. You don't have to share it with the group yet, but be honest with yourself.
Closing Prayer
Lord, like Honi we come and draw a circle — not because we are bold enough on our own, but because you are faithful enough to honor faith. Forgive us for the timid, vague, half-hearted prayers we have offered when you invited us to ask for rain. As we begin this study, teach us what it means to stand inside our circles and refuse to move until you answer. Give us the courage to pray specifically, the faith to pray persistently, and the trust to believe you delight in answering us. Amen.
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