John Owen: How Should a Pastor Pray for His Flock?

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; (1 Peter 5:2)

Surely we would conclude that part of shepherding the flock of God that is among us is by intentionally praying for them. Here's how John Owen suggests we pray for the flock:

1. Unto the success of the [preached] word, unto all the blessed ends of it, among them…

2. Unto the temptations that the church is generally exposed unto. These vary greatly, according unto the outward circumstances of things…

3. Unto the especial state and condition of all the members, so far as it is known unto them…

4. Unto the presence of Christ in the assemblies of the church, with all the blessed evidences and testimonies of it…and they will do so who understand that all the success of their labours, and all the acceptance of the church with God in their duties, do depend hereon…

5. To their preservation in faith, love, and fruitfulness, with all the duties that belong unto them, etc.

You can click here to see the practical strategy I use (I make one of these new every year)