In the Midst of It All — Linda L. Taylor

Joy Stanton, an executive assistant, divorcee, and single mom, asked God's forgiveness for the mistakes and misjudgments that changed her role from custodial parent to weekend mom.

Leanne Hilliard, a married college professor, prayed for a little girl of her own. She also asked God to mend her broken marriage and to forgive her for the lover she was going to meet as soon as the service was over.

Vanessa Becker, a cute, sexy Ad exec, was uncomfortable in the long-sleeved dress she was wearing on this warm Sunday, but it covered the black and blue bruises on her arms. She asked God to make her live-in boyfriend see how much she loved him so the abuse would stop.

Doretha Muncie was an older woman who sat two pews up. She said her Amen, and resumed her seat. Her prayer was always the same -- she asked God's forgiveness for breaking one of His commandments. The sixth one.