Pray First: Circles of Prayer

I recently read about the idea of prayer circles in a book written by Mark Batterson I was gifted by a family member. From reading the title I have to admit I was at first a little dubious. However, prayer circles are not some weird ritualistic activity but a practical way of focusing prayer and making regular time for it in our otherwise busy lives.

The idea can be taken literally and the things or names of people you want to pray for written in a circle or otherwise used as a metaphor. Batterson says:

There is nothing magical about physically circling something in prayer,

but there is something biblical about it.

The Israelites circled the city of Jericho

until the wall came down.

By using the prayer circle method you are making a regular commitment to those specific prayers you wish to make and praying with more intensity.

The book shares a great piece of scripture from Isaiah I have included below. The scripture really spoke to me and reminds us that our prayers are not just empty words but have great importance to God. Prayer is an opportunity to declare the things we desire for ourselves and others.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

without watering the earth

and making it flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

it will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Launching Christian Life Church Sheffield is such an exciting and fulfilling venture and definitely worthy of a prayer circle. So, THIS IS MY PRAYER...

I pray that Sheffield would flourish and thrive both culturally and economically.

I pray for all the people who Christian Life Church will reach.

I pray that the launch team involved will have both a purpose and passion for the vision we take to Sheffield.