Creating Healthy Life Patterns: An Interview with Mark Batterson
Mark Batterson, 43, has received acclaim as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. and co-creator of Ebenezer’s coffeehouse, the largest coffee house on Capitol Hill. But more recently he has become bestselling author of books including In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase. His latest title, The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears, has become an international hit. Here we talk about productivity, prayer, and creating healthy life patterns. JM: The success of The Circle Maker has taken some in the market by surprise. This isn't the first book on prayer. How is this different and why do you think it has resonated with so many people?
MB: I had a hunch that this book would really touch a nerve ending. For starters, the true legend of Honi the Circle Maker is an incredible story. And the simple metaphor of praying in circles has really resonated. I’ve gotten hundreds of testimonies from people who are circling things in prayer. A realtor is circling the properties she lists. An inner-city school teacher is circling her classroom. An NFL coach is circling their team’s stadium before game day. And a member of Congress is circling his congressional office building. The goal of the book was to really inspire people to pray like it depends on God. And that is happening. I think all of us feel like we fall short when it comes to prayer. We need all the help we can get. The Circle Maker is helping people pray bigger and bolder prayers.
JM: You didn’t rest on your laurels. The year after you wrote The Circle Maker you penned three more books in one year. To what do you attribute your productivity?
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