Soaking Prayer is taking our nation, our churches, and the body of Christ by storm. Or should I say, “By saturation”?
Soaking groups are springing up everywhere, in homes and in churches. Soaking is not a new phenomenon, just an acceleration of what we used to call “waiting on the Lord.” It takes “waiting on the Lord” to a whole new level, ushering the participant into deeper realization of and communion with Holy Spirit.
By Brenda Craig
Soaking Prayer is taking our nation, our churches, and the body of Christ by storm. Or should I say, “By saturation”? Soaking groups are springing up everywhere, in homes and in churches. Soaking is not a new phenomenon, just an acceleration of what we used to call “waiting on the Lord.” It takes “waiting on the Lord” to a whole new level, ushering the participant into deeper realization of and communion with Holy Spirit.
In the hustle and bustle of today’s society, many Christians feel consumed and overwhelmed by the environment around them. Desirous of being close to God in intimate ways while embroiled in the busyness of life is compelling believers to flock in droves to soak in His presence. As an avid worshiper of God and an ardent proponent of Soaking Prayer, I hope to shed some light on this remarkable tool and its ability to increase intimacy and bring about a deep life-changing communion with God. It has transformed my life, and I know it will transform yours.
Soaking is a time of rest and complete surrender to the person, Jesus Christ and saturation by the presence of the Holy Spirit. For so long, we have felt the only way to reach God is through our works or laboring in prayer. In no way am I diminishing a type of prayer that labors in intercession. I believe and participate in laboring or intercessory prayer. However, today I wish to explore another way to plunge into the depths of communion with God. Let’s get started.
In Soaking Prayer, it is often common to play a worshipful or instrumental CD softly. Those involved are encouraged to rest in a way comfortable to them, a way conducive to receiving from God whether it is sitting, standing, lying down or reclining. Whatever works for you is fine so long as you are comfortably positioned to receive. It usually takes a several minutes to relax and allow the Holy Spirit to begin to move and bring a restful sense to your heart, so don't worry or give up.
Pray and ask Him to search your heart and see if there is any hurtful way in you (Psalm 139:22-24). Surrender everything to Him, and invite Him to be exalted in your worship as you focus on Him. Expect to receive as the cares of the world and issues of life are pushed aside for a time of focused adoration on the “Lover” of your soul.
As you rest or soak in His presence, impressions or scriptures may come to mind for the Lord wants to renew and invigorate many areas of your life. Many times during Soaking Prayer the Lord has given me the wisdom I needed, comforted me, corrected me and encouraged me in His love – all at the same time. My times of soaking have been some of the most amazing experiences of my life. In Romans 12:2 we are told not to conform to the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This literally means to change the way we think at our deepest root levels. Soaking in His presence helps bring this about while resting. Even though this seems contrary to all we have learned about doing, we must avail ourselves of this rest. We are human beings not human doings. He wants us to rest in Him.
During these times, you may feel the weight of His presence hovering over you, touching you. The more you soak in His presence, the more encounters you will have, the closer you come to the Lover of your soul. Like any other relationship, the more you give, the more it grows.
There is no set amount of time for soaking; you simply soak as long as you wish or your schedule allows. You will know when it’s over as a sense of satisfaction fills you. Remember, you can always come back for more and are not limited to a church group. You can soak alone or with your family and friends.
Grab, with a sense of anticipation, any opportunity to cease laboring and soak in His presence, and you will be amazed how the changes on the inside display themselves on the outside and to the world around you. Soaking Prayer is an adventure that takes one deep into the realm of God’s heart - a place of communion where two devoted hearts, yours and His, meet.
Brenda Craig, creator of Journals of the Heart, is a writer, speaker, intercessor and avid worshiper of God. Used by Permission
Discover The Secret Place - Prayer soaking music
In the hustle and bustle of today’s society, many Christians feel consumed and overwhelmed by the environment around them. Desirous of being close to God in intimate ways while embroiled in the busyness of life is compelling believers to flock in droves to soak in His presence.
What is prayer soaking?
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