Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4 7 Welcome To Bible Study The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears 1
Weekly Overview Schedule Week 1 Whole Group (I) Week 2 Whole Group Week 3 Small Group Week 4 Whole Group (II) Week 5 Small Group Week 6 Whole Group (III) Week 7 Small Group Week 8 Whole Group (IV) Week 9 Small Group Week 10 Whole Group Prayer and Reflection Tonight s Class Session 4: Little People, Big Risks, and Huge Circles 2
Recap: The Circle Maker God s Word always conveys a message about, or to, us. There is one or a combination of the following: A command to be obeyed A sin to avoid A warning to heed A promise to claim As God speaks to us through His Word, we need to speak back to Him through our prayer. The Circle Maker is about claiming God given promises, pursuing Godsized dreams, and seizing God ordained opportunities. The Circle Maker Through this study, we will PRAY specifically ( draw circles ), in faith, for ourselves, those around us, and the circumstances that we have encountered, as guided by the Holy Spirit, including: Our families Our jobs Our church Our problems Our goals Our dreams and aspirations Giving thanks always for all things to God, the Father, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3
As we listen to the video, remember This is not a quick fix or way to manipulate or force God to get what you want. You can t just draw a literal circle around an area, say a prayer, and expect to get what you want. The author uses the word miracles very often throughout the book. While we all long to see miracles, we cannot get in the habit of demanding from God. Instead we must simply believe God at His Word. God does miracles for one reason and one reason alone: His glory! We just happen to be the beneficiaries. The Circle Maker What it is not The book's examples and illustrations are largely drawn from his own life, from the dreams, goals and desires that he has seen fulfilled. Be careful not to interpret these as generalizable. Be careful of some of the comments made by the author to not interpret them as an endorsement for name it and claim it. "Sometimes physical contact creates a spiritual conduit. Proximity creates intimacy. Proximity proclaims authority. Drawing a prayer circle is one way of marking territory God's territory." "When you dream, your mind forms a mental image that becomes both a picture of and a map to your destiny. That picture of the future is one dimension of faith, and the way you frame it is by circling it in prayer." 4
The Circle Maker What it is not There is extra biblical material included Honi from the Oral Torah, not the inspired Word of God. Honi is found in the Talmud, oral stories and traditions written down and passed on over time. Stories in the Tulmud does not always clearly connect to the Torah. As you listen to the video Take notes in your workbook Page 37 and 38. What thoughts did the author share that you still question or are not sure about? Listen for big ideas that generated a lot of discussion in your small group last week, or your independent reading. 5
Small Group Circles Small Group Discussion What notes did you take in your workbook Page 37 and 38. What thoughts did the author share that you still question or are not sure about? Listen for big ideas that generated a lot of discussion in your small group last week, or your independent reading. 6
Your Prayer Map What person(s)or circumstance(s) will you draw a circle (be focused and intentional) around? What are your specific requests for the person(s) or circumstance(s)? No more than 5 (the fewer the better). How do you know your specific requests are in the will of God for the person(s) or circumstance(s)? In other words, what does the Holy Bible have to say about this area? Are you up for the Prayer Challenge? When will you consistently pray? Daily time? Where will you consistently pray? Consistent place? Preparation for Next Week Read Chapters 8 11 of The Circle Maker. Work hard and pray hard on your Prayer Map 7