In the midst of our Sabbatical/Time Off, I wondered. There was a stirring in my heart. I asked God if possibly He was drawing me to a deeper understanding and a higher calling to prayer. This is not a new subject for me. But it seems that I go in cycles with the intensity and consistency of my prayers. Sometimes losing sight and sometimes growing lazy.
But there has been a stirring to grow deeper.
And as a part of His answer to these desires of my heart, I "happened" to check my twitter feed at just the right time. And I read a recommendation from a blogger whom I follow - that everyone should read The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. I downloaded it onto my new Nook. And my husband did the same on his.
God is using His Words as I am reading through the Bible in a year, and He is also using the encouragement and ideas from this amazing little book. To grow me deeper in the school of prayer. And I will not turn back. In fact, I am inviting you along for the journey, to travel along with me as I am schooled.
I'll be sharing my thoughts here as I continue on this journey of being refreshed in prayer - looking back and drawing, again, from the deep insight gained a few years ago when I went through the study Live a Praying Life - gathering up verses on prayer as I read through His Words - holding close the new insight from The Circle Maker as I read - and mostly, walking closely and listening to His Spirit within. Such a privilege. And also a special privilege to be walking this journey together with my husband, who also is sensing a fresh call to prayer.
"There are higher heights and deeper depths in prayer,
and God wants to take you there.
He wants to take you places you have never been before. ...
But if you want God to do something new in your life,
you can't do the same old thing.
It will involve more sacrifice,
but if you are willing to go there,
you'll realize that you didn't sacrifice anything at all."
(The Circle Maker)
Heart Connect: Living a Life of Prayer
Click here to read previous posts on this series.
I just spent 11 days with my dad and his wife ... pray-ers for many years. This quote speaks deeply to me just now. I look forward to journeying with you, Cherry.
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Glenda
Absolutely LOVED this book! He also wrote one specifically about praying circles around our children as well that I am looking forward to reading. It really impacted my prayer life. Thanks so much for sharing! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI need to check into this book! I am a prayer warrior too... and so grateful for books like Dutch Sheets Intercessory Prayer. This sounds like a must read too. I look forward to your posts on prayer... - Pam, Apples of Gold
ReplyDeleteI'm reading the Circle Maker too! In little bits and pieces so I can soak it in! Thanks for linking up to WIP!
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