There are books that make us laugh, books that make us cry, and books that take us into someone else’s world. There are stories that give us courage and hope. Some stories paint pictures in our minds and make lasting impressions.

When author Mark Batterson read the story of Honi in “The Book of Legends,” it painted an indelible picture on his mind. Batterson then wrote a book based on the true legend of the first-century Jewish sage who was called “The Circle Maker.”

“The Book of Legends” is a collection of stories from the Talmud and Midrash, containing the teachings of Jewish Rabbis. “The legend of Honi, the circle maker, was like a revelation of the power of prayer,” says Mark Batterson. It gave me a new vocabulary, a new imagery, a new methodology.” It happened in the first century BC, when a devastating drought threatened to destroy an entire generation – it had not rained for more than a year. The last of the Jewish prophets had died nearly four centuries before. Miracles were unheard of in that time. Nevertheless, Honi, the eccentric sage, still believed that God would hear his prayers for rain.

Honi drew a circle on the ground, stepped inside the circle, dropped to his knees, raised his hands to heaven and prayed: “Lord of the universe, I swear before Your great name that I will not move from this circle until You have shown mercy upon Your children.” As Honi’s prayers ascended to heaven, raindrops descended to the parched earth. When he continued praying, the rain became a flood. This prayer that saved a generation was deemed one of the most significant prayers in the history of Israel.

Mark Batterson believes that God is still looking for circle makers, those who will persist in prayer when there is yet no visible evidence that their prayer is being answered.

Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, was inspired to write a book after reading the book of Daniel in the Bible. In an excerpt from her book, which was recently featured in Mature Living Magazine, she says: “Christians must learn to Pray like Daniel prayed.” She explains that the Daniel way of praying is “a commitment that perseveres over any and every obstacle until heaven is moved and nations are changed. It’s a commitment to pray until the prayer is answered.”

Anne Lotz says that Daniel had a longing in his heart for his city and his people. He was determined to pray until the answer came. Daniel was not trying to change God’s heart or will, he was cooperating with God in bringing God’s perfect will from heaven to earth. He knew that God wanted him to pray persistent prayers.

Daniel prayed three times a day. He had a special place in which to pray and a special time set aside for prayer. He prayed even when his life was threatened. “Daniel had a prepared attitude for prayer,” says Anne Lotz. “His body language—bowing his knees to God—helped him to remember that he, Daniel, a slave in exile, had an audience with the One who is the living God, All Glorious, Most holy, the Ancient of Days, the Almighty. It was an outward gesture that revealed his inner attitude of humility, reverence, submission, and allegiance to the One so much greater than himself or any other king or ruler.”

Like Honi and Daniel, many Christians believe that miracles still happen. These Christians give thanks when God answers their prayers, and they continue to give thanks to the Almighty even when circumstances seem not to change. They pray earnest, heartfelt prayers for their country and its leaders, and their prayers will avail much.

Email Virginia Dawkins at jtdawk06@aol.com.