Father, we thank You that You have promised to be our faithful Shepherd leading us in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. We are guided, not by our own strength or wisdom lest it be inadequate or faulty, but in the knowledge and wisdom of our all-knowing, all-powerful God. It is not by might, nor by power but by Your Spirit that we can stand against the tactics of the enemy. Like Nehemiah, may our first impulse be that that of prayer and our second impulse be that of obedience. In the name of Jesus we ask these things. Amen.