What is a prayer circle?

Answer

The term “prayer circle” has evolved in meaning over time. In the past, when believers gathered in a circle to pray, they would refer to it as a prayer circle. Nowadays, a prayer circle can also denote a practice of “claiming” specific things through prayer: a circle physically drawn around desired items or the path walked by individuals circling areas as a way of “claiming” them in the name of Jesus.

The idea of prayer circles has gained popularity, partly due to the bestselling book “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson. The author states, “Drawing prayer circles around our dreams is not just a means by which we achieve great things for God. It is a means by which God accomplishes great things within us.” Batterson utilizes the tale of Honi the Circle Maker as the foundation of his prayer technique.

Honi Ha-Ma’agel was a Jewish sage from the first century BC. According to the legend, Honi drew a circle in the dust, stood inside it, and vowed to God that he would not move until it rained. When it began to drizzle, Honi requested more rain. Subsequently, it poured. Seeking a gentle rain, he made his plea to God, and the rain became calm. In his book, Batterson uses Honi’s story to inspire his audience to encircle their dreams, family, work, challenges, aspirations, and more with prayer circles. This piece is not a book review, as there are numerous reviews available online. Instead, it offers an evaluation of the concept of prayer circles in general.

Is the concept of prayer circles supported by the Bible? Does this “new way to pray” find validation in the Bible?

• The prayer circle approach to prayer is rooted in a non-biblical Jewish narrative. Honi is not a biblical prophet, and the Bible does not mention him. Many advocates of prayer circles draw parallels (or at least comparisons) between Honi and Elijah. However, there exists a significant disparity between Honi and Elijah. Biblical prophets were directed to wait.

It is essential to listen for God’s voice and then convey His directions to others. Honi did not wait but devised a plan involving drawing circles and insisting that the Lord comply with his wishes.

• Prayer circles are not referenced in the Bible. If prayer circles held significance and authority, Jesus would have included the concept in His prayer guide to His disciples (Luke 11:1-4). At the very least, if prayer circles enhanced our prayers, they would have been noted somewhere in Scripture.

• Biblical prayer stems from a humble heart, surrendered to God’s will and desiring His glory. The Bible does not mention walking in circles during prayer, drawing circles around objects, or demanding specific desires from God. The prayer circle method hints at the “name it, claim it” ideology that elevates man and his “faith” over God. While many advocates of prayer circles disavow any connection to the “name it, claim it” philosophy, there are correlations. God does not require us to unleash Him or grant Him permission before He blesses us.

• The Bible encourages us to pray boldly and persistently, but we should avoid trying to manipulate God through a particular formula or ritual. We should be cautious of any teacher who asserts that specific physical actions amplify the power or authority of prayer. Nowhere in Scripture are we instructed to “claim” what we believe is rightfully ours.

• The Bible does not ascribe power to proximity or visualization. For instance, a prayer for someone to secure employment is equally potent whether offered at home or while circling the office building. Believing that prayers offered in one setting or posture are more effective than those offered at another time or in a different manner is more superstitious than scriptural. While we may feel the urge to be near a location or circumstance to pray more effectively, we must remember that our heavenly Father is omnipotent and omnipresent.

Presently, God knows precisely what needs are present and will respond to our prayers in His own perfect will and timing.

Similarly, visualizing one’s prayer with a prayer circle does not give it more authority. The human mind has no power to create reality or reshape the world to one’s liking, no matter how focused the thoughts or clear the visualization. God alone creates, and every good and perfect gift comes from Him “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”, (James 1:17). Visualizing the answer to prayer will not make it more likely to be answered.

God’s Word gives us specific instruction about prayer. We don’t need to add to those instructions in an attempt to manipulate God’s power or receive answers to our prayers.