I love the opportunity to review books of all genres that I get from being a Blogger. My library has increased drastically over the last couple of years and is now full of quality books in every genre you can imagine. Most often I review fictional works (I especially love suspense/fantasy/sci-fi types), but at least once every few months I get a book in the mail that is a bit more serious in the non-fiction field.
The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson is an inspiring book to help remind and show you that no prayer is too small or too simple to be heard. Using the story of Honi of Biblical days who was known as the Circle Maker because of his trust in God during a time of drought, Mark Batterson weaves a tale that reminds us of our need to trust and place our faith totally in the God who has given us the rain. His miracles haven’t stopped appearing – we have stopped seeing them.
Similar to the books by Wilkinson of some ten years ago about the Prayer of Jabez, Batterson has chosen simple scripture and a simple story of a man of faith to lead us into stronger and more powerful prayer life. By figuratively and literally circling your life in prayer Batterson leads you to believe you can accomplish more and be blessed more.
Although I appreciate this book and the thought behind it, I feel there are some things within that could mislead floundering believers (and perhaps non-believers). A promise of “if you do this God will do that” can be taken to extremes. Although the authors intentions in writing this book are noble, I always have a hard time with the “word of faith” mentality that tends to support things of this nature. A “If I have enough faith or do certain things in the perfect order then God will give me everything I want” mentality is dangerous and can often lead to grief and heartache to the weak of heart and mind.
The book is well written and easy to read. For the most part I agree with the thoughts behind Mr. Battersons book but it is not something I will be recommending to many. I feel that too many people are susceptible to the idea of doing something specific and bargaining with God to have their desires come true/happen. As much as I am advocate of prayer and yes – praying circles around my family, life, jobs, etc. I think it should have a disclaimer that states God answers prayers as he sees fit – not according to what WE do.
I suppose how someone views this book has a lot to do with their own personal theology and beliefs regarding prayer and what our faith really does to change God’s will/plan in our lives. I give it 3 stars for content and ease of reading.
**I was not monetarily compensated for the review of this book. I received the book from Zondervan itself in exchange for my complete and honest review on this blog. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are mine alone.**
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