Try the “PIT” Method when you pray
The Apostle Paul said this to Timothy in 1st Timothy 2:1
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
I began a new series on August 7, 2022 called We are… As followers of Jesus Christ, we are the church, the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, and the family of believers.
Paul challenges the church at Ephesus to be a family that prays. May I encourage or challenge you to use the PIT method when you pray? OK, preacher. What is the PIT method?
Notice again the above verse. It’s unique. In my research, I came across this fact. “The New Testament has seven different Greek nouns for prayer, four occur in 1st this verse.” Here’s the PIT method:
P = Petitions & Prayers
A petition is a request to God on behalf of yourself.
A prayer is a private or public request brought before God.
I make requests to God every day for myself. There’s power in asking. Jesus said this. Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” James said. James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. What request do you need to bring to God for yourself? My biggest personal petition from God is wisdom & guidance.
I = Intercession
Intercession is a request to God on behalf of another person.
Who do you know needs prayer? Bring their name and circumstance before God. Sometimes I don’t know the circumstance. I just ask God to help them. Maybe they need a job. Maybe they need healing. Maybe they need a new outlook. Maybe they need peace. Who comes to your mind right now that needs you to intercede on their behalf? Pray for that person.
T = Thanksgiving
A prayer of thanksgiving is a combination of praise and gratitude.
What better way to end your prayer than by praising God! Thanking God for Jesus, the Holy Spirit, His word, His church, your crazy brother Bill or Uncle Ted who makes you laugh every time you get together. Thank God for crazy things like suffering and hardship that often make us aware that we need God more than ever.
So here’s my challenge. Sometime today, send a PIT prayer to God. Do this often. God wants to be close to you. He’s only a prayer away.
