CMI Blog Book Review: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

Warning! Do not read this book in a public area. Most book reviews being with a summary of general concepts from the selected reading and the overall opinions of the reader but for this review I must being with a story. As do all busy college students at some point, I found myself in a rut. A spiritual rut that came from working too many hours, taking too many classes, and even volunteering too much time with church/campus ministry. I knew what I needed most was to slow down and connect with God through prayer. Looking for a little extra help, I bought several devotional books and started reading them during my regular work outs at the gym. Over the next few weeks I finished a handful of books that were helpful but I hadn't quite found that refreshing touch from the Spirit that I thirsted for. Then it happened. I was on the stationary bike pedaling away when I opened up "The Circle Maker". After a few pages I found myself so engrossed that my pedaling practically came to a halt. Within an hour I had to put my head down and hide my face in the pages to keep from alarming anyone by my tears. The reason I believe every college student should read this book is because it doesn't just give you helpful tips in making powerful prayer a habit (and it does) but it also reminds you of the purpose behind prayer! When you pray, you are connecting with your omnipotent, aka all powerful, God of the universe. This book will not just increase your desire to pray but it will push you to come boldly before our Father. Batterson makes the case that most of us are prayer weaklings that come timidly before God with vague and, dare I say, even unimportant prayers. I can speak for no one but myself, however, I suspect I am not the only one guilty as charged! Batterson pushed me to pray more boldly, because: "Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers. God isn't offended by your biggest dreams or boldest prayers. He is offended by anything less. If your prayers aren't impossible to you, they are insulting to God." Over the past several years I have shared my personal copy of "The Circle Maker" with many people and encouraged dozens of others to read the book. I have used it, along with the many resources available at www.TheCircleMaker.com, as sermon series at the multiple campus ministries I have led. From these students I have heard many testimonies about God opening doors into graduate programs, relationships, and finances. Most importantly, "The Circle Maker" became a tipping point in my prayer life and for that I will be forever grateful. My hope is that you and your campus ministries do not just read this book but that it inspires you to fall on your knees and seek God. It worked for me. If you are interested in more shorts books on prayer I might also suggest the following titles: "Too Busy Not to Pray" by Bill Hybels "Before Amen" by Max Lucado Garren Griffith has planted campus ministries at The Ohio State University and Indiana State University and now serves CMI's North Central Regional Coordinator.