A Prayer to Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly

SBC of Virginia family,

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you; but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8) I pray that God will give us wisdom and a unified voice in these days as Southern Baptist Christians.

I pray that we will clearly stand together in calling racism and hatred wrong and evil. Just as we have clearly and continually stated our stance for biblical inerrancy, we stand against and must be steadfast in opposing the heresy of racism.

The bigotry and violence on display in Charlottesville was sad and sinful. The SBC of Virginia opposes every form of racism, including alt-right white supremacy and neo-Nazism, as heresy and contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hatred must be viewed as a scheme of the devil intended to foster violence, division, and suffering in our society. I pray that we will see an end to violence and hateful rhetoric that is designed to incite various groups of people.

I pray that we will grieve with those who grieve. I spoke with a dear friend who serves in the upper leadership of the state police. I was heartbroken for what he saw firsthand this past weekend. We grieve with the families and loved ones of the two state troopers and the young woman who died Saturday. I pray we will be ready to minister to those around us who are hurting and struggling.

I pray we will also be confident that Jesus is building His church. I and others have spoken with pastors in Charlottesville. SBC of Virginia churches across Charlottesville opened their doors and courageously ministered Sunday. Let's pray for them and for all of our communities as we must stay vigilant in our priority to proclaim Jesus and make disciples. We are citizens of His Kingdom. We are a Holy Priesthood.

Friday and Saturday church planters were worshipping and meeting together. Just northwest of Charlottesville, SBC of Virginia's Crosslink Church hosted the James Madison University football team. Twelve players were saved, confessing Jesus as Lord. Keep preaching the Word! This evening, Dr. Fred Luter, an African-American pastor and former president of the SBC, is preaching at Kempsville Baptist Church in Virginia Beach this evening for their revival services. The Gospel is being proclaimed. I pray for revival and spiritual awakening in our land.

May God empower us mightily in these days. May we be humble and honor one another. Let us pray for one another, that we will do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

Your brother in Christ,

BRIAN AUTRY