Finding Christian Growth Network : Refreshment from God through Soaking Prayer

Several years ago, when my wife and I started to attend our current church, I was introduced to a new method of prayer called “Soaking Prayer”. My first thoughts of Soaking Prayer were highly skeptical and even critical. In my mind, I protested, “How could this be considered prayer?” Over time, God helped me overcome my skepticism, unbelief and pride to realize the beauty and power of Soaking Prayer. Now I regularly employ Soaking Prayer as a means of refreshment and renewal in my walk with God.

The primary objective in Soaking Prayer is to rest, both physically and spiritually, and to “soak” in God’s presence allowing the Lord to minister to and rejuvenate His people. Soaking Prayer involves lying down and listening to Christian worship music, preferably a genre of music that is soft and soothing in nature. Some find it easier to discern the voice of the Lord when the music is instrumental while others hear God speaks through the lyrics of the songs. Those who “soak” can be as relaxed and comfortable as possible, often using pillows to support their head.

Soaking prayer exposed my preconceived notion that prayer was chiefly an act of the person who prayed to proactively pursue God. Therefore, my greatest cynicism about Soaking Prayer was the fact that it involved very little activity on the part of the pray-er. Instead of trusting all the “work” to be on the human side of the pray-er, soaking prayer entrusts by faith for the Divine to graciously come and visit those who wait upon Him.

My skepticism of Soaking Prayer turned into adoration when I finally gave in and tried it for myself. Now when I feel overwhelmed with life’s cares I enjoy finding time in Soaking Prayer to provide refreshment and strength. Plugging in my iPod® I lay on the floor or on my bed and listen to the sounds and lyrics of some of my favorite Christian music and worship melodies. I verbally pray very little, sometimes only a few words like, “Lord, I invite you to be with me” or “I receive Your Spirit, fill me, Lord.” I then lay still before the Lord filling my heart and mind with thoughts of Him.

Incredibly, I have always left my time of Soaking Prayer feeling invigorated and strengthened. Sometimes this will lead me to pray out loud to the Lord and verbalize my gratitude or express my heart. Other times, Soaking Prayer provides the stamina for me to get moving to the next chore or activity that needs to be accomplished. At times, I incorporate Soaking Prayer before bed and slowly drift to sleep in the arms of my Savior. In more chaotic moments, like at work, I will sneak away to my car to take a 10 minute “soak” break (not to be confused with a smoke break) and come back refreshed to work.

As I saw the benefits of Soaking Prayer manifested in my own life, I also began to understand the scriptural foundation for this type of prayer ministry. God implores the weary to come to Him to find refreshment in both the Old and New Testaments.

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7a)

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:6)

Soaking Prayer caused a healthy paradigm shift in my prayer theology. I now realize that prayer cannot be constrained to a two-way conversation with God. Prayer is about spending time with my Creator whether I talk, He talks or we both remain silent. I am learning that there is a time to talk, a time to listen and a time to just be still before Him. This new understanding of prayer makes it easier to “pray without ceasing” knowing that I don’t have to always be in conversation, I just have to be in His presence.