Some people believe that if objects or wishes are put in the middle of the circle that God will grant them an answer because of what was placed in the middle of the circle. If a group of Christians join hands to purposefully form a circle with the intent that the circle will give greater power to their prayer, this would not be a godly way to pray. You have no doubt read about or seen photos of crop circles or other mysterious happenings that have ties to sorcery and Wiccan traditions. In some pagan traditions, circles have meaning. These practices would not be something the Bible endorses. Historically, this was practiced by pagans and within gnostic rituals. This type of worship is seen in charismatic Christians, the religion of Islam, and even in Native American worship. Those who adopt this practice cite a belief that praying in this manner enhances the effectiveness of their prayers. This is often done around an altar of some sort and sometimes for a vigil. The final use of “prayer circle” refers to a deliberate practice of forming a circle as a ritualistic part of worship. It may just happen that during the prayer a circle comes together. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there stayed.Īmerican King James Version ×), and there is not a required shape that we are to stand in so that our prayer will be effective. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And he departed, and went into another place. And he said, Go show these things to James, and to the brothers. But he, beckoning to them with the hand to hold their peace, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to listen, named Rhoda. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark where many were gathered together praying. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street and immediately the angel departed from him. And he went out, and followed him and knew not that it was true which was done by the angel but thought he saw a vision. And he said to him, Cast your garment about you, and follow me. And the angel said to him, Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came on him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. Praying as a group is not forbidden in Scripture ( Acts 12:5-19 Acts 12:5-19 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him. This formation is not done ritualistically, but just a happenstance that can occur based on the location of a meeting. In various situations a group of people will pray together. Praying as a groupĪnother use of the term is incidental. Many godly people have close relationships with each other and are regularly praying for one another. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.Īmerican King James Version ×). In this instance the word circle is just indicating close interaction with a “circle of friends.” In this regard, praying for those who are close to you is biblical and something that the Bible supports ( James 5:16 James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. Prayer circle can simply mean a group of people who pray for one another.
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