I read about Honi the Circle Maker from excerpts of Mark Batterson’s book, The Circle Maker. The story of Honi is recorded in the Talmud, the writings of Jewish tradition. Honi lived during the first century BC and had a special relationship with God. There was a terrible drought in the land of Israel. The rainy season had ended with no rain and they were entering the dry time of year. “When rain is plentiful, it’s an afterthought. During a drought, it’s the only thought.” Mark Batterson.
The people sent for Honi to pray for rain because they knew that God listened and answered Honi’s prayers. Honi prayed, but no rains came. Then Honi drew a circle in the dust around himself and told God that he would not leave the circle until He sent rain. It began to rain, but so little and light that the people came to complain to Honi. They told him that it was raining only enough to release Honi from his vow, but not enough to end the drought.
Honi turned his face to heaven and spoke to God, “Not for this type of rain did I pray, but for rain which would fill wells, cisterns and ditches.” The skies opened and rains came in torrents. Again the people came to Honi, this time crying out that the rain was beginning to flood and damage the land.
Honi turned his face to heaven once more and prayed, “Not for this type of rain did I pray, but for rain of your favor, blessing, and graciousness. The LORD heard Honi’s prayers and answered with a rain that refreshed the land. Every raindrop was an example of God’s goodness and grace.
The religious rulers sought to excommunicate Honi because they said he was dishonoring to God by placing demands on Him. The miracle was undeniable and Honi was honored because his bold prayers saved a generation. Honi gained the nickname, Circle Maker that day.
Mark Batterson gives practical application for us. “You can pray around a promise in Scripture for 21 days. You can pray circles around your children or your spouse or an unsaved coworker. You can pray circles around a challenge you’re facing or a sin you’re struggling with. You can pray circles around a dream God has put in your heart. You can pray circles around a change that needs to happen or a decision that needs to be made.”
Got any droughts in your life?
Make a circle and pray boldly.
Comment here:
The people sent for Honi to pray for rain because they knew that God listened and answered Honi’s prayers. Honi prayed, but no rains came. Then Honi drew a circle in the dust around himself and told God that he would not leave the circle until He sent rain. It began to rain, but so little and light that the people came to complain to Honi. They told him that it was raining only enough to release Honi from his vow, but not enough to end the drought.
Honi turned his face to heaven and spoke to God, “Not for this type of rain did I pray, but for rain which would fill wells, cisterns and ditches.” The skies opened and rains came in torrents. Again the people came to Honi, this time crying out that the rain was beginning to flood and damage the land.
Honi turned his face to heaven once more and prayed, “Not for this type of rain did I pray, but for rain of your favor, blessing, and graciousness. The LORD heard Honi’s prayers and answered with a rain that refreshed the land. Every raindrop was an example of God’s goodness and grace.
The religious rulers sought to excommunicate Honi because they said he was dishonoring to God by placing demands on Him. The miracle was undeniable and Honi was honored because his bold prayers saved a generation. Honi gained the nickname, Circle Maker that day.
Mark Batterson gives practical application for us. “You can pray around a promise in Scripture for 21 days. You can pray circles around your children or your spouse or an unsaved coworker. You can pray circles around a challenge you’re facing or a sin you’re struggling with. You can pray circles around a dream God has put in your heart. You can pray circles around a change that needs to happen or a decision that needs to be made.”
Got any droughts in your life?
Make a circle and pray boldly.
Comment here:
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