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.

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 questions

1.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?

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Closing Prayer

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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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