Judges 2:19 – But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them.

Lord God, the spiritual falling away of the nation of Israel is a shocking thing. After 40 years under Moses leadership and another 40 under Joshua, you would think they would catch on and stay faithful to you. But when Joshua dies, the people are left without a spiritual leader and as a nation and as families they turn away from you, going after other gods. Lord, God of our Fathers, I see the need for spiritual leadership in our homes and in our churches. Your people need parents who will step forward and shepherd the children and make that their primary mission as a parent. Your people need pastors who will step forward and shepherd their sheep, keeping watch over them as a watchman watches over a city. Lord, please make me faithful to my callings. Forgive me for my failure to keep you as a first thing in my life. Forgive me for my failure to keep you before my family and friends and church as the most vital thing. Forgive me and keep me faithful to you and to the people you have called me to serve. I pray, make parents faithful to their calling to pass on the truth of your Word to their children. Make pastors faithful to their calling as shepherd and watchman. And God, send more of them. Your people need shepherds. Lord God, without your intervention in our homes and churches we will flounder and perish. So, Lord, please send, equip, and move shepherds and parents who will care for the souls of those entrusted to them. Amen.