A popular verse in Christian circles is found in Matthew 7 v 7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” In light of this scripture, it is discouraging when requests that are made in prayer are not granted. A few verses on in the same chapter, Jesus shares a valuable insight into this dilemma – “...what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? ...how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (v 9 – 11).

In all of God’s infinite wisdom, He gazes upon the tapestries of our lives. In comparison, we are able to glimpse but a few threads. While we genuinely believe that we are praying for something good, God may know that granting that particular request will ultimately lead to destruction. We might think that we are requesting bread, when in fact such apparent good is a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. Let us continue in prayer bringing our requests before the throne of our Father, knowing that while he grants us the bread, he will keep the serpents far from us.