What we seek or avoid in prayer, we should also pursue or shun in our actions. We must earnestly avoid temptation and walk carefully in obedience so we don't invite the devil's snares. We can't afford to enter the wild searching for the lion, for such recklessness is costly.

The lion might cross our path or ambush us, but we should never go hunting for him. Even winning such battles makes for a harsh struggle. Christians should pray to be spared these encounters. Our Savior, who experienced temptation, warned His disciples, "Pray that you enter not into temptation." Even with our best efforts, temptation will find us. So we pray, "deliver us from evil." God had one Son without sin, but none without temptation.

Just as sparks fly upwards, the natural man faces trouble and the Christian man faces temptation. Stay vigilant against Satan, for he sneaks in like a thief. Experienced believers know the times when Satan is most likely to attack, just like certain seasons bring harsh winds. We must be doubly on guard: fear leads us to prepare, and preparation wards off danger. Prevention is better than cure. It's better to be so armed that the devil avoids you, than to fight him even if you win. This evening, pray first that you're not tempted, and second, if temptation comes, that you're delivered from evil.