Sunday Entries

by Addison Bevere

Separator Words with God by Addison Bevere

June 11, 2023

The Power Of Praying In Circles

Some [things] cannot be taken by direct assault; they must be taken like Jericho. — Ortega

I’ve been thinking a lot about circles lately.

So much of life is defined by circles—our days, week, months, and years form circles for us to move in and through. We’re constantly reminded that the end of a thing has a way of taking us back to a beginning.

It would seem the cosmos announces the Circle as God’s shape of choice.

But in a world where progress is defined by straight lines and checked boxes, corporate ladders and bar charts, what’s circular is often considered unsuccessful—a waste of time and energy.

We prefer the efficiency of the “direct assault.”

I love the story of Jericho and its 13 circles. For seven days Israel walked around Jericho, seeing it from every angle. With each pass, they became more familiar with their pursuit, more aware of the promise, more in tune with the tension.

The militant voices of human strategy and efficiency were silenced. The only sound, until the very end, was the blast of the trumpets, which was a constant symbol of praise, a defiant declaration. Only through silence would victory find its sound.

And in the end, one week of walking in faithful circles accomplished something that would’ve taken months of direct assault.

Response

The question that I want us to be prayerful about this week is, What is my Jericho?

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to prayer as a way of life, God often invites us into the circular nature of prayer, helping us not default to direct assaults that are limited to own our strength and understanding.It may seem like prayer (and life) is leading you nowhere but don’t believe the lie. Your present moment is both familiar and new, and that’s how it must be. You are not stuck, for the circle is, in fact, your way forward.

Praying with you,

Addison

Separator Words with God by Addison Bevere

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Sunday Entries

On most Sundays, I share a few words on prayer as a way of life, words that help us open the conversation so we can see, hear, and experience more of God in our daily lives. I’d love for you to join the conversation.

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The Entries

06.11.23

“I’ve been thinking a lot about circles lately. So much of life is defined by circles—our days, week, months, and years form circles for us to move in and through. We’re constantly reminded that the end of a thing has a way of taking us back to a beginning. It would seem the cosmos announces the Circle as God’s shape of choice…”

06.04.23

“Paul once wrote, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything.” For Paul, who just happened to be in prison when he wrote these words, the most reasonable thing we can do is reject anxiety and hold fast to the Truth that God is always here…”

05.14.23

“When we try to be two places at once, we end up being nowhere, living disengaged from the presence of God, ourself, and those around us. People often ask me, “Addison, why don’t I feel God’s presence?” Without fail, the people who struggle to feel God’s presence are those who struggle to be present…”

Addison Bevere is the COO of Messenger International, a ministry founded by John and Lisa Bevere in 1990 that exists to develop uncompromising followers of Christ who transform our world. Messenger is dedicated to providing people with access to life-transforming messages regardless of their location, language, or financial position.

addison-thumbnail-2021
Addison Bevere

Husband, father, author, poet, speaker & follower of Christ

addison-thumbnail-2021
Addison Bevere

Husband, father, author, poet, speaker & follower of Christ

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