He also wrote that men ought to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is a part of a lifestyle that requires effort to resist sin and to change our lives (Hebrews 12:1-4). Far too many choose the easy path that requires little or no effort—but that path leads to destruction, and we pay with our lives (Matthew 7:13, 14). We do have a choice—to pray for guidance and forgiveness and follow the path that has been laid out for mankind or to ignore that direction and let the chips fall where they may.

Some people want to pray for forgiveness and do no more. Some understand that fighting temptation is a constant in the life of a Christian. Prayer alone does not offer salvation, but it opens the door to a new way of life. The one definite in life is that if we do not reconcile with our Creator, we will pay with our lives. Which way will you choose?