The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
Week 12: Chapter 11 — The Favor of God
Read Chapter 11 of The Circle Maker. Primary Scripture: Luke 2:52; Numbers 6:24–26
Previewing Week 12 of The Circle Maker
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 13-week guide when you’re ready.
Batterson turns to the concept of divine favor — not as a prosperity gospel promise, but as a real and sought-after dimension of life with God — and this chapter asks you to examine what you are actually asking God for when you pray.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.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?
2.Luke 2:52 says Jesus "grew in favor with God and man." Batterson uses this to argue that favor is something that can grow — it is not static. What practices or postures in your life might be growing (or shrinking) God's favor?
3.The Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24–26) — "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you" — is one of the oldest prayers in Scripture. Batterson points to it as a model of what we should be asking for ourselves and others. When did you last pray this kind of blessing over specific people in your life?