Craig T. Owens

A year ago I was challenged to go deeper in my prayer life by Mark Batterson’s book The Circle Maker. Now I’ve just completed a 40-day journey through Mark’s follow up book Draw The Circle and I realize how much more I still have to learn about prayer!

I love beginning each new year with a reminder on the importance and the power of prayer. For two years in a row I’ve been both challenged and encouraged by these two Mark Batterson books. Draw The Circle is intended to be read slowly, with just one prayer thought each day for 40 days. As I read each day’s entry, I was able to add another component to my prayer arsenal.

On the last page, Mark sums up the subject of prayer well when he writes—

“Prayer is the difference between appointments and divine appointments. Prayer is the difference between good ideas and God-ideas. Prayer is the difference between the favor of God and the luck of the draw. Prayer is the difference between closed doors and open doors. Prayer is the difference between possible and impossible. Prayer is the difference between the best we can do and the best God can do.” 

The Circle Maker and Draw The Circle don’t have to be read together for you to get excited about the power of prayer, but if you do read them back-to-back, it’s a powerful one-two punch! And for parents and grandparents, be sure to add Praying Circles Around Your Kids too!

Any time spent learning about prayer is an investment with huge upside potential and these books are well worth your time.

Check out some quotes from Draw The Circle here.