Someone took the time to tweet this quote they read in a book:
"God isn't offended by big dreams; he is offended by anything less."
Once I read this I couldn't resist, I had to know where it came from. You see, I used to be a big dreamer. I believe in power of prayer but somewhere along the way my dreams and my prayers became safe. I began to dream and pray for those things that were likely to happen so I wouldn’t be disappointed. I tend to air on the side of practical and do a lot of things in my own strength. I desperately need that to change. After clicking through to the author’s tweet and eventually through to Amazon the book was mine. The book is called The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.
I found this book to be an extremely easy read and had a hard time putting it down, reading it cover to cover in just a few days. I did however highlight A LOT that needs to be re-read, sink down into my heart and change the way I think and approach prayer. Among my favorites are:
“Who you become is determined by how you pray. Ultimately, the transcript of your prayers becomes the script of your life.”
What made this book such a delight to read is that Mark Batterson doesn’t just teach us what the Bible says about prayer he writes about the work that God has done in his life through prayer. He shares his lifes’ stories. He tells us how prayer has been a part of his childhood, his family, and his church.
He encourages us to be more purposeful in prayer and to continue to believe God despite our circumstances. He also shares the importance of writing down our prayer, so that we can be consistent in what we are asking God to do in our lives. Eventually this will become a great record of answered prayer. In addition to that Mark explains why writing down life goals is essential. He shares with us a portion of his Life Goal List indicating which things are marked complete and which he is still circling in prayer.
The evidence of a good book is the action it inspires. I have been inspired to put pen to paper and do as he suggests. I am, more than ever before, excited to pray knowing that there is no limit to what God can do if we just ask. I have been able to revisit those things I once dreamed of doing as well as come up with new ones. My husband got in on this as well and together we wrote down many things. It made for a great date night activity and a deeper connection. In fact it has created an opportunity for an ongoing conversation on the topic.
This book is not only a practical introduction to prayer it is the perfect refresher for those who need new life breathed into their conversations with God. By the end of the book you will truly understand the necessity of prayer to live the life you were called to by God.
I was inspired to dream big and pray big, I hope you will too!
The sequel to The Circle Maker will release on December 18. It’s titled Draw the Circle: The 40-Day Prayer Challenge, I liked the The Circle Maker, and I am confident I will like Draw the Circle. I will be a great way to start the new year. For more information check out what Mark has to say on his blog.
Check out www.thecirclemaker.com for FREE resources.
Kimberly is an enthusiastic and dedicated founding member of the Circles of Faith team. She is known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.
You can follow Kimberly in her journey to discovering the Sweet Spot of God’s success for her everyday life on her blog at Living in the Sweet Spot. or on twitter @kimberlyamici.Click here for her full bio.