WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that God is sovereign over all nations of the earth (Psalm 93:1–2; 103:19; 113:4–5); and
WHEREAS, God, in His permissive will, may allow political leaders, both in biblical times and the present day, to enact policies that are opposed to His revealed will (1 Kings 16:25, 30); and
WHEREAS, It is in God’s power to prompt the hearts and minds of political authorities to His purposes and furnish wisdom and guidance in their decisions (Ezra 1:1–3; Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 3:26–30; 4:34–37); and
WHEREAS, Government is appointed by God as His servant to encourage good and restrain evil to the end that all people are blessed and His people are enabled to live quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–3; 1 Peter 2:14); and
WHEREAS, God commands His people to respect the authority of political leaders and honor them (1 Peter 2:13–17); and
WHEREAS, God commands His people to pray for their political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–3); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Houston, Texas, June 11–12, 2013, urge the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention to pray confidently, regularly, and fervently for our President, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and all local, state, and national governmental leaders.