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Praying Circles Around the Lives of Your Children: Unlocking the Power of Prayer in Your Family
Mark Batterson has a surprising secret weapon for parenting: prayer. Batterson shares a perfect blend of biblical yet practical advice that will revolutionize parents' prayer lives. This guide describes seven important ways prayer circles will transform how parents pray for their kids and lead them to a deeper relationship with Christ. Praying Circles Around the Lives of Your Children teaches parents how to: This resource is great for new parents, parents whose kids are entering their teenage years, and every age in between. As Batterson says, "You can leave a legacy for generations to come. Your prayers have the power to shape the destiny of your children and your children's children. It's time to start circling."
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 22, 2014
68 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Mark Batterson
188 books1,134 followersMark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into The Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of seventeen books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Play the Man, Whisper, and, most recently, Double Blessing. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 4, 2015
I filed this book under "reference" in my home library. I pray for mercy and God's grace over my children (and now a grandchild) constantly. This book helps me to pray for things that I never thought of or may forget.
September 2, 2023
Though I’ve had reservations about some of the framing and wording (see below what), and though this is a rather a straightforward uncomplicated/unembellished book, it still suprised me on several occasions with some great gems. I think it is worthwhile.
About my reservations.
Though the author makes great points on several occasions that we are to pray God’s will not ours, like in the passage below that I liked:
“the purpose of prayer is not to outline our agenda for God; the purpose is to get into the presence of God so we can be aligned with God’s agenda for us”,
it still sounded, on some occasions too close to that that word of faith movement of claiming/proclaiming, with the exception of not having an accent on worldly success but rather on things of higher value (like relationships, purpose, ministry etc) … I am rather on uncharted territory every time there comes about prayed for certain things to happen… but than, there are many bible references to be persistent in prayer… and my “timid” unclear prayer-philosophy has not lead me to any vibrant prayer life as this author and his family has.
Anyway, here are some thoughts I have appreciated:
* pray your way through the Bible (if you only read the Bible, you are misreading it. Reading is how you get through the Bible, praying is how you get the Bible through you)
* praying the Word of God and His promises over your children
* Praying a Hedge of protection but also praying that they would courageously invade enemy territory with the light and love of God - ex. Don’t just pray that their hearts won’t be broken by a boyfriend/girldfriend. Pray that their hearts would break for the things that break the heart of God
* Don’t just prah for them (back seat). Teach them to pray (front seat)
*the ideas of prayer genealogy, prayer journal/lists/posters/mantras - to fight the natural tendency to remember what you should forget and forget what you should remember
* Ask them questions (Jesus was the Question-Asker) - a well-timed question can open sesame (ask about their day, their opinion)
* Half of parenting is putting together a great game-plan. The other half is making the most of teachable moments.
Capitalize On your daily rythms:
*bedtime, mealtime, cartime
*family vacations
Discern teachable moments - make or break moments - prayer is the key to discern them
*Prayer sanctifies your RAS (sist activator reticular: determines what gets noticed and what not - why goal setting is so important) so you notice what God wants you to notice
Couplet: Watchful - prayful
Watchmen saw sooner and farther than the rest. we are the watchmen of our children
*As parents (in prayer) we need the patience of the planter, the oversight of the famer and the mindset of the sower
About my reservations.
Though the author makes great points on several occasions that we are to pray God’s will not ours, like in the passage below that I liked:
“the purpose of prayer is not to outline our agenda for God; the purpose is to get into the presence of God so we can be aligned with God’s agenda for us”,
it still sounded, on some occasions too close to that that word of faith movement of claiming/proclaiming, with the exception of not having an accent on worldly success but rather on things of higher value (like relationships, purpose, ministry etc) … I am rather on uncharted territory every time there comes about prayed for certain things to happen… but than, there are many bible references to be persistent in prayer… and my “timid” unclear prayer-philosophy has not lead me to any vibrant prayer life as this author and his family has.
Anyway, here are some thoughts I have appreciated:
* pray your way through the Bible (if you only read the Bible, you are misreading it. Reading is how you get through the Bible, praying is how you get the Bible through you)
* praying the Word of God and His promises over your children
* Praying a Hedge of protection but also praying that they would courageously invade enemy territory with the light and love of God - ex. Don’t just pray that their hearts won’t be broken by a boyfriend/girldfriend. Pray that their hearts would break for the things that break the heart of God
* Don’t just prah for them (back seat). Teach them to pray (front seat)
*the ideas of prayer genealogy, prayer journal/lists/posters/mantras - to fight the natural tendency to remember what you should forget and forget what you should remember
* Ask them questions (Jesus was the Question-Asker) - a well-timed question can open sesame (ask about their day, their opinion)
* Half of parenting is putting together a great game-plan. The other half is making the most of teachable moments.
Capitalize On your daily rythms:
*bedtime, mealtime, cartime
*family vacations
Discern teachable moments - make or break moments - prayer is the key to discern them
*Prayer sanctifies your RAS (sist activator reticular: determines what gets noticed and what not - why goal setting is so important) so you notice what God wants you to notice
Couplet: Watchful - prayful
Watchmen saw sooner and farther than the rest. we are the watchmen of our children
*As parents (in prayer) we need the patience of the planter, the oversight of the famer and the mindset of the sower
November 24, 2019
Really good. Wish I read this a few years ago. There were 2 main concepts I gained from this book:
1. The concept of prayer circling. Long-story that lead the formation of this, but the idea is that you pray over specific things with the mentality that you wont stop and that you're in the presence of God.
2. Pray for the long-term. Most of the time, we pray in the moment for urgent things. Rarely do we pray for the future, for our kids and their future spouses, for our non-existent grandkids and great grandkids, etc. There are some crazy stories and testimonies about the power of this, and it's definitely changed my prayer life.
Book rating criteria; to help objectify my ratings.
1. I would read again?
Yes. This is a quick, easy, yet profound book that I'll definitely re-read.
2. I would recommend to others?
Yes... Any parent who wants to lead their kids to the best of their abilities should read this.
3. I am smarter, better or wiser as a result of this book?
Yes. There were a few sections in here that I cried because of how powerful the concepts were, andI definitely parent differently because of it.
4. I was entertained while reading this/it kept my attention?
Yes, very quick and easy read, with mostly stories.
5. This book was just the right length?
Yes.
1. The concept of prayer circling. Long-story that lead the formation of this, but the idea is that you pray over specific things with the mentality that you wont stop and that you're in the presence of God.
2. Pray for the long-term. Most of the time, we pray in the moment for urgent things. Rarely do we pray for the future, for our kids and their future spouses, for our non-existent grandkids and great grandkids, etc. There are some crazy stories and testimonies about the power of this, and it's definitely changed my prayer life.
Book rating criteria; to help objectify my ratings.
1. I would read again?
Yes. This is a quick, easy, yet profound book that I'll definitely re-read.
2. I would recommend to others?
Yes... Any parent who wants to lead their kids to the best of their abilities should read this.
3. I am smarter, better or wiser as a result of this book?
Yes. There were a few sections in here that I cried because of how powerful the concepts were, andI definitely parent differently because of it.
4. I was entertained while reading this/it kept my attention?
Yes, very quick and easy read, with mostly stories.
5. This book was just the right length?
Yes.
January 25, 2025
This book gives parents hope in the powerful efforts of prayer. I read it again every few years as it serves as an encouraging reminder. I love the stories he shares and how he tells us that we were prayed over by many generations before us and have the ability to pray over the generations to come.
February 16, 2025
It’s funny finally reading this book I’ve had on my shelf for years now that my four kids are grown. My youngest is a senior in high school. I wasn’t sure if there was going to be an element of “name it claim it” movement from awhile back, but Batterson seems pretty solid in his leading and writing. I also felt it was very appropriate for any stage if parenting. From the parents that are expecting …to those that are grandparents. Why? Because it is about legacy. It’s about that fact that we make mistakes parenting, but God is gracious and our prayers take root. We may not see the fruit for years or not in our lifetime. It was a reminder to keep being faithful in my prayers. To be intentional and bold. It also left me expectant about praying over the lives of my one day grandchildren. Legacy prayers like my parents prayed over me and my kids.
May 8, 2020
4 stars because I love the premise of the book and the emphasis upon the importance of praying for our children. It’s sort of basic with lots of stories, but adds some interesting ideas for incorporating more prayer in potentially new ways for our children. I had read parts of it off and on, then completed it, then read it completely through. It’s not the best book ever written about prayer, but offers good reminders about an important topic. If it can inspire more prayer for our children, which is of utmost importance, then it’s great!
January 9, 2021
I thought the premise of the book was great: "Your prayers for your children are the greatest legacy you can leave." However, I felt like the actual content of the chapters didn't always match up with the chapter titles. It almost felt like Batterson was a bit scatterbrained. While there were some great one liners throughout the book, I was a bit disappointed with the book's content overall. For the record, I normally really enjoy Mark Batterson's writing. I'm not so sure I would recommend this book to others.
January 29, 2018
I finished this book in about 3 hours over the course of two days. The book is well written and engaging. I enjoyed the intentionality that was placed on praying for our children in a unique manner. I also enjoyed reading the various stories from his life and the lives of others that reflected the power of prayer.
April 20, 2020
I love this book. I read it as part of my daily Bible study. This is the second time I’ve read it and each time I pull out different ways to pray for my children based on what’s going on in their life at the time.
April 24, 2020
The concept of this book is pretty simple: pray for your kids. Pray with your kids. The author gives some ideas of how to do this, some feel more practical and some seem loftier. Much of the book felt repetitive, but in a way it helped get the point across.
March 31, 2018
An excellent book with basic prayer strategies to pray for any child in your life!
February 8, 2023
Fantastic. Will be reading again as part of my devotional time and drawing some circles!
June 30, 2023
I’m keeping this book as a reference. This book encouraged me by giving me details on how to enrich my prayer life as a wife, mother, and now Grandma!
March 23, 2024
Appreciated the inspiration and encouragement to pray deeper, more meaningful prayers for my children.
June 9, 2024
A must for parents who want to keep God prevalent in your life and your children's.
April 12, 2025
This wasn’t perfect but it was thought provoking and hopefully prayer provoking!
September 20, 2025
Solid. Straightforward. Inspiring. Uncomplicated. Affirming.
A must read for parents. Thank you Jesus for this book! Simple and really good.
Rating: 8.75/10, five stars!
A must read for parents. Thank you Jesus for this book! Simple and really good.
Rating: 8.75/10, five stars!
April 25, 2014
****Learn to pray circles of God's promises around your loved ones****
Mark Batterson, author and lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., continues his prayer theme in "Praying Circles Around the Lives of Your Children" releasing April 22. Where parents learn what prayer circles are and how to pray "circles" of God's promises over their children's lives.
Batterson adopted the method of prayer circles from the "Book of Legends," a story compilation from the Hebrew Talmud and Midrash after he read the legendary account of "Honi, the Circle Maker."
Honi, a rainmaker similar to Elijah who successfully prayed for rain, lived on the outskirts of Jerusalem and spent his days in prayer inside a small hut. The people, when their land became dry and parched, begged Honi to pray for rain because they knew he was a man of great faith.
Honi agreed and the community joined him in prayer on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where he bowed his head, extended his staff to the ground and turned "until he stood inside the complete circle he had drawn." That day the legend of the "Circle Maker" was born with a "prayer that saved a generation." To read the complete kids version: The Circle Maker for Kids: one Prayer can Change Everything
Reading Honi's story caused such a transformation in Mark's prayer life he shared this new method of prayer in several books. Praying Circles Around your Children, Draw the Circle: the 40 Day Prayer Challenge and The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around...Dreams & Fears.
In this new guide…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/praying-...
Mark Batterson, author and lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., continues his prayer theme in "Praying Circles Around the Lives of Your Children" releasing April 22. Where parents learn what prayer circles are and how to pray "circles" of God's promises over their children's lives.
Batterson adopted the method of prayer circles from the "Book of Legends," a story compilation from the Hebrew Talmud and Midrash after he read the legendary account of "Honi, the Circle Maker."
Honi, a rainmaker similar to Elijah who successfully prayed for rain, lived on the outskirts of Jerusalem and spent his days in prayer inside a small hut. The people, when their land became dry and parched, begged Honi to pray for rain because they knew he was a man of great faith.
Honi agreed and the community joined him in prayer on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where he bowed his head, extended his staff to the ground and turned "until he stood inside the complete circle he had drawn." That day the legend of the "Circle Maker" was born with a "prayer that saved a generation." To read the complete kids version: The Circle Maker for Kids: one Prayer can Change Everything
Reading Honi's story caused such a transformation in Mark's prayer life he shared this new method of prayer in several books. Praying Circles Around your Children, Draw the Circle: the 40 Day Prayer Challenge and The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around...Dreams & Fears.
In this new guide…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/praying-...
January 19, 2017
A friend I greatly respect and admire recommended this book, but I just found it mostly cheeky and convoluted. While this book was a good reminder to pray continually for your children, with a dose of parenting advice, the theme of praying as a way to get God to do certain things was a red-flag for me. Theology about prayer seemed mixed....he writes, "Prayer is the way we write the future. It's the difference between letting things happen and making things happen." It seems like Batterson doesn't want to let God be God you know? But then he also writes, "Make sure you're praying, not projecting! There's a fine line between your will and God's will. Make sure you are praying His will for your children, not yours." So, it's cool to let things happen, to let God be God? Confusing...
July 9, 2014
This is a very good book. It gives you some specific examples of how you can pray for your children. For me it was the kind of book that I underlined frequently and feel I need to write what I underlined down to have a reference to go by. It is certainly not a book that is a one time reading.
August 17, 2014
I highly recommend this to any parent. It will encourage and empower you to get back in the game to pray for your kids and the power of a praying parent with amazing examples of prophetic prayers and powerful answers.
July 10, 2015
Very easy reading. Started & finished in a few hours, but still inspiring. Talks about the legacy of prayer & the importance of praying for your kids & grandkids. I'm going to put his ideas into action.
February 23, 2015
Not as strong as Batterson's first praying circles books but still filled with many reminders to never cease praying over the lives of our children and the generations to come.
March 30, 2015
a MUST read for anyone with kids, grandkids, or planning on having children!
August 21, 2015
Great information on how to pray for and with your kids. I took a lot of notes. I really enjoyed this book.
October 6, 2015
Good book about prayer. Had some very nice thoughts about helping our children through prayer and different ways to pray for them.
January 28, 2024
Lives rent free in my head!
June 27, 2014
This book is a must read for every parent!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews