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This idea of going big or going home is central to Batterson’s new book, The Circle Maker. Debuting next week, it tells the story of Honi the Circle Maker, an ancient Hebrew who drew a circle in the sand and stood inside it until God ended a drought in Israel. Honi’s dedication, Batterson argues, has huge implications for what takes place in contemporary prayer today.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Batterson suggests that supplication before Christ requires taking a stand before his throne. It’s only when we persevere, he proposes, that our prayers are finally answered.

CP: Your upcoming book The Circle Maker is derived from the legend of Honi the Circle Maker. What appealed to you about Honi’s tale?

Batterson: The Jewish people understood the power of story. When I read this story – a true story mind you – it inspired me to pray with more faith.

I’ve always believed in the power of prayer. One prayer can accomplish more than a thousand plans. That isn’t a magic formula, but it’s an idea that if you pray, keep praying and then praying some more. There’s a difference between “praying for” and “praying through.”

We’ve lost our ability to persevere through prayer. My church, for example, has the core value of working like it depends on you and praying like it depends on God. If you take a good work ethic with a good prayer ethic, miracles happen.

CP: Why is prayer so important?

Batterson: If God is omnipotent and hears our prayers, then is there anything else that has the potential of prayer to change things? I think the answer is no.

There’s nothing you can do that has greater power or potential than prayer. Prayer is the difference between you fighting for God and God fighting for you. When you pray, God fights for you, goes before you, blesses you and prepares good works in advance for you. The greatest tragedy in life is that some prayers go unanswered as they go unasked.

via Christian Post

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Just in this article I picked up some great quotes…One that I love is “If you take a good work ethic with a good prayer ethic, miracles happen.” Incredible line.  There are many people that will live by one or the other.  The might focus on all work and no pray…or all pray and now work.  What are your thoughts on this and will you be as anxious as me to grab this book?  Leave your comments below.