What are You Circling in Prayer?

One of my favorite prayer and faith stories is about Honi, “The Circle Maker”, the central figure in the book of the same name by Mark Batterson.

The story is taken from the Talmud, a collection of Jewish stories, opinions and teachings collected mostly in the years before Christ came. Honi lived in the first century BCE, a rabbi and leader and person of faith. The account goes as follows: There was a drought in the land during the crucial rainy season. Honi, turned to God in prayer and did something bold by drawing a circle in the sand, stepping into the circle and then determining to stay in the circle until God sent rain. He prayed and sought the Lord, and then miraculously, it began to rain, though it was not much more than a drizzle. He prayed again saying, “it was not for this kind of rain that I prayed.” Then came a deluge of rain, so he prayed again, and this time, the rain changed to a gentle, life giving, sustaining rain. The prayers were answered. The people were saved. A precedent was set. Many of the other leaders were angry for the way Honi approached God, but ultimately it was decided that because God had answered the prayers, that maybe the approach was ok. If it was ok with God, then….

This is not a biblical story, but it reflects the biblical principles found in Scripture. Moses raising his staff over his head while the Israelites were in battle, and as long as his hands were raised they experienced victory. Elijah praying for a drought and seeing no rain for 3.5 years and then praying for rain and continuing to do so until the tiniest of rain clouds appeared leading to a major rain storm. The Israelites marching around the city of Jericho until the walls fell. Daniel praying for God’s deliverance. Esther and the Hebrews praying and fasting to save them from genocide. All along it was God who brought these miracles into life, but He allowed his people a place at the table to participate. He gave them ways to express their faith in very tangible ways and prayer.

Jesus tells us to pray with faith and mountains will move, to pray in His Name and see Him answer, and be able to do even greater things than He did, not on our own or in our power but in His power. Jesus calls us to pray with faith and believe that the Father hears and gives good gifts to His people.

As we continue through the first 40 days of 2026, we are seeking God in prayer. We are “circling” our requests, the ones God is placing on our hearts, in hopes of seeing Him do a mighty work. This is our bold step of faith, a faith in the God who can do the impossible. We want God to do things only He can do so people can see the God who can do things only He can do.

I bought a small circular rug for the 40 days and have it in one of our bedrooms. It is only 4 feet in diameter and only cost $21.39, and it is where I find myself every morning so far this year, on my knees praying for the church and for other people and things God has placed on my heart. It is where I am starting each day, and it is where I am seeking God for the things I am circling in prayer. It is where I am praying bold prayers. It is where I express my heart to God. It is where I am asking Him to do miraculous things. That circle is my place to do battle and to turn to Him for victory.