Sometimes prayer is the first thing I resort to when I'm in need.  Other times it's the last.  Urgency has a lot to do with it.  When I think I have plenty of time or the pain isn't that great that it stops me from being able to get from point A to point B, I go it on my own - go to the Doctor, reason with others, do what seems to be necessary at the time.  When I have no time left I pray.  When the pain begins to be immobilizing, I pray.  I pray for others when they ask me or God puts them…

Let's imagine you have a tree in your yard that bears rotten fruit.  Every year the fruit kills innocents.  Sometimes squirrels, a feral cat here and there, pets, and eventually a baby.   Are you going to be satisfied with trying to do a better job of disposing of the fruit each year or are you going to do your best to destroy the tree so it can never bear fruit again?