"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

-Matthew 7:7-11 (NRSV)

ONE autumn day my sister and I were present at the divorce proceedings of our parents. I was not taking it as hard as my sister. In my opinion, divorce was the best solution for them. I knew we we were in God's hands; at the same time, I was anxious. The court would decide the issue of custody, and I didn't know where my sister and I would be living. But I knew God would be with us.

My anxiety level rose when an attorney said he would call on my sister and me during the proceedings. After we answered some questions, all we could do was to wait outside the courtroom. As I began to think about all the legalities, I also began to think about what God wanted for our future. At that moment I decided to pray and turn this situation and everything about it over to God. This simple prayer came to my lips: Dear God, I have faith in you and in your plans. God answered my prayer by giving me a sense of peace and confidence about the future.

Juan Carlos Carrillo (Kentucky, USA)

Prayer Focus

Children of divorced parents