Getting my hands on actual real books down here can be a challenge. Sure, I can order them from Amazon, but then I’ve got to get them sherpa’d down here. In January, my brother Kurt delivered The Circle Maker to me and it has been challenging me ever since.

In full disclosure, I need to let you know that Mark Batterson’s books have had a history of impacting me before. In fact, Wild Goose Chase is one of the three books that played a key role in my family moving to serve here in Guatemala (The other two? Crazy Love and Hole in the Gospel).

The Circle Maker’s subtitle is “Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears”. This might imply that within the covers is simply a formula for successful prayer, but that is not the case. Instead, Batterson shares numerous stories of God answering big prayers. These accounts come from Biblical characters, historic figures, Church leaders and Mark’s own experiences. The variety of anecdotes all lead to key principles of prayer that have been severely lacking in my spiritual life.

Here’s the Cliffs Notes’ version:  Dream Big, Pray Hard and Think Long. These are three very profound principles of prayer.  And like any challenging principle, their value is found in their application. My hope for my own life is that while this red-jacketed book sits on my shelf, the Circle Maker precepts of prayer will be transforming my relationship with Jesus.

If you are looking for a spark in your spiritual life, then let Mark unwrap the ancient story of Honi the Circle Maker, and guide you to three simple principles that we all can grow in.