Intercessory Prayer (PIT Crew)
Taking a Closer Look Into Intercessory Prayer
Being accountable to someone else in prayer is vital to our spiritual development. And part of that accountability is learning to pray for and with others through intercessory prayer.
At Igniting Prayer Action (IPA), we define intercessory prayer and accountability as having a “PIT” Crew. PIT is our acronym for Personal Intercessory Team. A PIT Crew is a team of intercessors that provide prayer on your behalf on a regular, committed basis. In turn, you offer intercessory prayer for them on the same basis.
What is the purpose of a PIT Crew?
Accountability and prayer coverage are the main purposes for a PIT Crew. As Christians, we learn the importance of seeking the Lord for guidance, wisdom, and solutions concerning major decisions and events. For instance, we pray about where to live, which job opportunity to take, or for direction in a marital challenge. Along with facing growth, transition, and new opportunities, we can also experience spiritual warfare, which we see through life’s physical, social, and financial challenges. Yet, there’s great comfort in having PIT Crew accountability. We can share our prayer needs, thoughts, and struggles with other believers and gain assurance in knowing they’ll understand.
Fortunately, our PIT Crew understands because everything we experience is common to humanity and living life in a fallen world. Therefore, we should consider the words of 1 Peter 4:12-13. “12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy”.
Leaders are also particularly vulnerable to life challenges unless they have support and protection through a PIT Crew prayer shield. A PIT Crew’s mission is to pray the purposes, promises, and plans of God into, over, and through the person’s life. Personal intercessors follow the PIT Crew leader’s guidance, which could be you or one of the team members designated to lead. The PIT Crew also follows the Holy Spirit’s leading on how and when to pray.
Intercessory Prayer is Crucial to Your Faith Walk
Overall, the purpose of a personal intercessory prayer team is to have accountability and help believers continue building each other up in their Spiritual walk with the Lord. It’s all about praying for and with others, coming in agreement with God’s will, and following the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Who needs a PIT Crew?
Every believer needs prayer intercessors and should be accountable to at least one to two other believers. Having a PIT Crew provides the perfect solution. So, who ideally needs a PIT Crew?
Are you sensing a call to intercessory prayer or leadership?
Pray and ask the Father who should be on your PIT Crew, be it family members, close Godly friends, and/or Spiritual leaders. Also, ask God to bring clarity if you’re sensing a call to leadership as an intercessor. As you pray, write down the names that come to mind, and any instruction He provides for you on the next steps. For PIT Crew groups, there should be a minimum of 3 members and a maximum of 12.
Lastly, if you don’t have anyone you can have this type of relationship with, let us know. We can connect you with other trusted believers who are currently facilitating PIT Crews.
Need more insight and direction? Get your Free Copy of the PIT Crew Handbook.
