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Practical Shepherding
Pray for the Flock: Ministering God's Grace Through Intercession
“Brothers, pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). The Apostle Paul’s letters are filled with references to prayer—requests for prayer from the churches, prayers for them, and teaching and encouragement that God was working through these prayers. Pastors and church leaders know that prayer is powerful and it must be a priority in any ministry, yet many pastors struggle to maintain an active prayer life. Even more difficult is the challenge of praying for the flock, lifting up the needs of the people God has placed in your care.
The Practical Shepherding series of guides provides pastors and ministry leaders with practical help to do the work of pastoral ministry in a local church. In Pray for the Flock, pastors Brian Croft and Ryan Fullerton provide biblical encouragement, practical advice, and helpful suggestions that will help busy pastors effectively pray for their people and care for their church through the ministry of intercession.
The Practical Shepherding series of guides provides pastors and ministry leaders with practical help to do the work of pastoral ministry in a local church. In Pray for the Flock, pastors Brian Croft and Ryan Fullerton provide biblical encouragement, practical advice, and helpful suggestions that will help busy pastors effectively pray for their people and care for their church through the ministry of intercession.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
28 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Brian Croft
67 books15 followersBrian Croft is Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian is the founder of Practical Shepherding, a non-profit organization committed to equipping pastors all over the world in the practical matters of pastoral ministry.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 3, 2025
Previewed this book for my pastor husband. I thought it was good for church leaders and will recommend he read it!
April 25, 2025
Such an encouragement and super practical on how to carry out the pastoral ministry of prayer for your congregation. Thankful for this resource
July 10, 2018
A simple yet powerful reminder of the priority of prayer in pastoral ministry, rooted in biblical exhortations and examples. This book does not beat up the pastor for his miserable prayer life. Rather, it woos him to his prayer closet with biblical and gospel-saturated motivations. It also includes practical helps and tools to move our pastoral intercession from good intentions into faithful practice.
November 5, 2018
Taken from my blog at www.cdoylehughes.com.
Brian Croft has done it again! I am probably becoming this pastor's biggest fan. This is the fifth book I have read of his in as many weeks; I am just as impressed with this one as I was the first, perhaps even more so. You can read my other reviews on The Pastor's Soul, The Pastor's Family, The Pastor's Ministry, and Caring for Widows. Pray for the Flock is actually co-written by Ryan Fullerton. Pastor Fullerton is the lead pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and Pastor Croft is the senior pastor of Auburndale Baptist in the same city. Brian Croft is the founder of Practical Shepherding, and Ryan Fullerton serves on their board of directors. It is obvious that these two men have authored this book having a good rapport with each other, and if not, they mention their longstanding friendship a couple of times within its pages. That being said, Pray for the Flock: Ministering God's Grace Through Intercession, published by Zondervan in 2015, is a short but powerful book on prayer. Fullerton takes most of the first half of the book (Croft wrote one chapter of six in the first half), and deals with the question of why we should pray. In other words, as the section heading states: "What Does the Bible Teach" about prayer? I have read quite a few books on prayer because, like everyone else, I do not believe my prayer-life to be "up to snuff." I want to learn to pray better, longer, more earnestly, and so I go in search of my answers. I've read E.M. Bounds (not every one of his books), I've read Mohler, Miller, Tautges, Sproul and others as well. They have helped me with my theology of prayer, some with the practicalities of prayer, and some (quite frankly) have made me feel guilty about my prayer life (and well they should) but none have made me excited to pray. That is what Pastor Fullerton has done in this book. He reminded me that "If we want to have New Testament ministries, then we must understand and practice the New Testament priority given to prayer," (p. 24) and instructs us: "Don't just read God's promises. Like Daniel, pray them. Ask God to bring them into reality!" (p. 45). Why? Because "God has decided that he is most glorified in accomplishing his purposes by answer the prayers of his people." (p. 45). The reality that "Most of us don't have a theology of prayer that is capable of getting us out of bed in the morning, let alone powerful enough to move mountains," is convicting because it is true. But the great thing is that Fullerton doesn't just leave us convicted, he provides the hope that is needed to alleviate this truth. I'll let you read the book so that you can get the full picture and have your heart warmed, primed and ready to go to God in prayer. Pastor Croft took the second half of the book, as is often the case. He dealt with the more practical side of praying for the flock in the section titled, "The Practice of Prayer." This is where the book takes more of the pastoral tone (the first half could be read by anyone, with only a few spots dealing directly to pastors). The titles of some of the chapters in the second half are almost like "click-bait" that can make one think, "I've got to read that; how is the true?" Like the chapter titled, "Pray Occasionally." That is actually the penult chapter of the book (second to last), but each chapter deals with a specific time or type or way to pray. We are to pray specifically for our people, not in general. Each person ought to be prayed over, for, and with. We are to pray with other pastors. We are to pray for missions and that God would raise up and send missionaries and pastors from our churches specifically. Through six short but eye-opening chapters, Brian Croft revealed thoughts I had never considered as to that which we ought to pray. In fact, I have already taken a few of those ideas and put them into practice. My favorite (a "why haven't I thought of it before" kind of lesson) is getting a little notebook (small enough to fit in my back pocket) and writing every person in the church on a page, then when I hear of a prayer request I can write it down under that person's name and continually pray for and with that person (adapted a little from his suggestion) and then I contact that person with a short note letting them know I've been praying for their situation. The Appendix deals with Pastor Fullerton's 40-day fast that he had apparently just finished during the writing of this book. I found it a bit slow, and not as compelling, as the rest of the book. However, it still gave great insight as to how fasting and prayer go together. Coming in at only 125 pages, this is the shortest book I have read by Pastor Croft, but it is the best book I've read on prayer. I woke up early the other day, having just finished the book, and as I lay there I was wondering what I should do: try to fall back asleep? get on Twitter or Facebook? Then an excited feeling deep within came bubbling up, I knew what I wanted--wanted!--to do: pray. Much of the time we simply don't believe in the power of prayer or we don't know how to pray as it seems we say the same things over and over again. If that's you, I'd highly recommend reading this little book. If you're not a pastor, I would still encourage you to read this--especially the first half.
Brian Croft has done it again! I am probably becoming this pastor's biggest fan. This is the fifth book I have read of his in as many weeks; I am just as impressed with this one as I was the first, perhaps even more so. You can read my other reviews on The Pastor's Soul, The Pastor's Family, The Pastor's Ministry, and Caring for Widows. Pray for the Flock is actually co-written by Ryan Fullerton. Pastor Fullerton is the lead pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and Pastor Croft is the senior pastor of Auburndale Baptist in the same city. Brian Croft is the founder of Practical Shepherding, and Ryan Fullerton serves on their board of directors. It is obvious that these two men have authored this book having a good rapport with each other, and if not, they mention their longstanding friendship a couple of times within its pages. That being said, Pray for the Flock: Ministering God's Grace Through Intercession, published by Zondervan in 2015, is a short but powerful book on prayer. Fullerton takes most of the first half of the book (Croft wrote one chapter of six in the first half), and deals with the question of why we should pray. In other words, as the section heading states: "What Does the Bible Teach" about prayer? I have read quite a few books on prayer because, like everyone else, I do not believe my prayer-life to be "up to snuff." I want to learn to pray better, longer, more earnestly, and so I go in search of my answers. I've read E.M. Bounds (not every one of his books), I've read Mohler, Miller, Tautges, Sproul and others as well. They have helped me with my theology of prayer, some with the practicalities of prayer, and some (quite frankly) have made me feel guilty about my prayer life (and well they should) but none have made me excited to pray. That is what Pastor Fullerton has done in this book. He reminded me that "If we want to have New Testament ministries, then we must understand and practice the New Testament priority given to prayer," (p. 24) and instructs us: "Don't just read God's promises. Like Daniel, pray them. Ask God to bring them into reality!" (p. 45). Why? Because "God has decided that he is most glorified in accomplishing his purposes by answer the prayers of his people." (p. 45). The reality that "Most of us don't have a theology of prayer that is capable of getting us out of bed in the morning, let alone powerful enough to move mountains," is convicting because it is true. But the great thing is that Fullerton doesn't just leave us convicted, he provides the hope that is needed to alleviate this truth. I'll let you read the book so that you can get the full picture and have your heart warmed, primed and ready to go to God in prayer. Pastor Croft took the second half of the book, as is often the case. He dealt with the more practical side of praying for the flock in the section titled, "The Practice of Prayer." This is where the book takes more of the pastoral tone (the first half could be read by anyone, with only a few spots dealing directly to pastors). The titles of some of the chapters in the second half are almost like "click-bait" that can make one think, "I've got to read that; how is the true?" Like the chapter titled, "Pray Occasionally." That is actually the penult chapter of the book (second to last), but each chapter deals with a specific time or type or way to pray. We are to pray specifically for our people, not in general. Each person ought to be prayed over, for, and with. We are to pray with other pastors. We are to pray for missions and that God would raise up and send missionaries and pastors from our churches specifically. Through six short but eye-opening chapters, Brian Croft revealed thoughts I had never considered as to that which we ought to pray. In fact, I have already taken a few of those ideas and put them into practice. My favorite (a "why haven't I thought of it before" kind of lesson) is getting a little notebook (small enough to fit in my back pocket) and writing every person in the church on a page, then when I hear of a prayer request I can write it down under that person's name and continually pray for and with that person (adapted a little from his suggestion) and then I contact that person with a short note letting them know I've been praying for their situation. The Appendix deals with Pastor Fullerton's 40-day fast that he had apparently just finished during the writing of this book. I found it a bit slow, and not as compelling, as the rest of the book. However, it still gave great insight as to how fasting and prayer go together. Coming in at only 125 pages, this is the shortest book I have read by Pastor Croft, but it is the best book I've read on prayer. I woke up early the other day, having just finished the book, and as I lay there I was wondering what I should do: try to fall back asleep? get on Twitter or Facebook? Then an excited feeling deep within came bubbling up, I knew what I wanted--wanted!--to do: pray. Much of the time we simply don't believe in the power of prayer or we don't know how to pray as it seems we say the same things over and over again. If that's you, I'd highly recommend reading this little book. If you're not a pastor, I would still encourage you to read this--especially the first half.
April 30, 2025
Croft does a wonderful job really encouraging pastors to pray. This book is short. It's not meant to be the thing you first go to. Instead, you are first to go to prayer. Each chapter helps you see an area he had admitted to overlooking, and he wants to share these areas for us so that we, as pastors, are able to learn from men who have experienced this before us.
I need to pray more. I think ever pastor has this call and burden in their hearts. And this book is a great refresher and motivator to pray. It has helped me want to pray more, and has given some insights on things to think about when I both pray, and think about prayer. It hasn't always lead me to prayer, sadly. But it certainly points me in that direction.
I need to pray more. I think ever pastor has this call and burden in their hearts. And this book is a great refresher and motivator to pray. It has helped me want to pray more, and has given some insights on things to think about when I both pray, and think about prayer. It hasn't always lead me to prayer, sadly. But it certainly points me in that direction.
February 22, 2017
What a wonderful book on the subject of the prayer life of the pastor. If more pastors prayed the way the authors describe in this book, we can see souls saved, believers grow in their sanctification, restoration in the lives of Gods people and the great commission being fulfilled. I highly encourage every pastor to read and re-read this book.
April 25, 2020
Excellent resource!
This is a short and easy read, but it packs a powerful punch! Brian Croft and Ryan Fullerton challenge pastors to pray diligently for the flock they shepherd. Whether you are a new pastor, or one who wants to learn to pray for his people more effectively, you’ll be b,Essex by this book. I highly recommend it!
This is a short and easy read, but it packs a powerful punch! Brian Croft and Ryan Fullerton challenge pastors to pray diligently for the flock they shepherd. Whether you are a new pastor, or one who wants to learn to pray for his people more effectively, you’ll be b,Essex by this book. I highly recommend it!
May 21, 2019
Simple and concise. Convicting too. A pastor not praying for his church is a sin. We have a responsibility to pray for the church. Be diligent in prayer - set up a prayer calendar for members of the church. Each day has 3-5 names on it. There is power in prayer.
August 20, 2020
Solid book! So glad I read this book at the start of my ministry
February 4, 2021
This book is a good resource for pastors and church leaders looking for support and advice on the topic of prayer.
September 17, 2022
Such a convicting and helpful call to pastors as we seek to see God change our people and change our hearts towards them. Though a powerful book it is a quick read.
June 23, 2025
Has a great calendaring system in the back to create a membership prayer calendar to share with the congregation.
January 12, 2016
Nothing earth shattering about this book. But it's not meant to be. It is simply a solid, much needed call to prayer. I found it to be refreshing and an encouragement. The best line of the book - "A pastor who fails to pray for his people is as unbiblical as a pastor who refuses to preach God's word." The only thing lacking was more practical suggestions for how a pastor can organize his prayer life. A great little book.
October 1, 2015
Refreshing book on prayer for those in ministry! Motivating and practical. Not the normal guilt inducing book on prayer. I'm starting to pray more and with greater expectations as a result. Thank you for writing it!
September 30, 2015
Very good. Encourages toward the title.
December 31, 2015
Be watching for a future podcast interview concerning this book.
March 23, 2016
Found this very encouraging and plan on making a prayer calendar to get the whole church to pray for one another.
November 5, 2016
A short, straightforward book filled with a lot of wisdom about how to grow in praying for your church. This is a great resource for church leaders and those burdened to pray more for their church.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews