Note: this review may seem like I am judging a pastor. My intention is not to judge, but rather to point out that Batterson should tread carefully, as a minuscule part of his book is delivering a message that is misaligned with scripture.
Words can be powerful; Mark Batterson’s Draw the Circle devotional is no exception. His novel has reached many readers, and he glorifies God for this success within his devotional. Glorifying our heavenly father is not the focus of this entry; instead, I want to unpack the section “Amazing Things.”
Day 3, Coined “Amazing Things,” really deflated me. In fact, it might even be dangerous for Christians to read this section of Batterson’s book. Here’s the meat:
In Day 3, Batterson says the Holy Spirit called on him to pray at D8–an airline gateway. It is during this section where Mark mentions that praying was such a deeply ingrained routine, but he had to miss his ritual prayer because of a work commitment (a perfectly biblical reason to miss prayer for; Jesus healed on the Sabbath). Despite missing work, Mark felt he “knew the Lord was testing him” in an airport gate, with people around. He claims God tests him, and speaks to him, asking him to pray. Batterson to hit his knees in the airport at gate D8, a public space.
Did God truly will Mark Batterson to pray in public? Or was it Mark Batterson’s prayer habit that came before God’s will? In other words, did Mark’s habitual human like instinct drive him to hit his knees, or was it God?
And moreover, please allow me a moment to cite scripture on why Christians are discouraged from praying in public:
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. (Matthew 6 5:8).
Congregating under the roof of a church is different from hitting your knees in the gate at an airport. Congregating is not related to praying in public; congregating is done in private, inside a church, with other members of the same faith. God does not want us to pray in public; in fact, Christians are encouraged to keep their prayer private. Praying in public does not garner extra favor from our heavenly Father.
Maybe Mark Batterson will read this entry, I will pray that his eyes graze over it. My intention is to help Batterson grow, just as his words in Draw the Circle have rekindled my prayer.
In fact, it is my duty as a Christian to call out faulty logic. Again, please turn to the Bible for evidence to support this duty bestowed on me by God:
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
There you have it, evidence suggesting Christians have a duty to report other Christians for misalignment.
Did this book rekindle my prayer? Perhaps. Read part 2 of the review here.
