Soaking prayer is a form of meditation where participants get comfortable and simply soak in the presence of the Lord.  The purpose is not to bring requests but rather to let the love of God love permeate you.

How to do this prayer practice:

new orleans 029This prayer method was developed by John and Carol Arnott of the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship.  They offer seminars and information kits for those who would like to learn how to do this prayer technique.   I have not been to any of their teaching sessions, but I participated in soaking prayer at the home of a friend.  Here are some of the things she did to enable soaking prayer in her home.

1.  Create a spiritually serene environment.

She began by praying over her whole apartment to saturate is with an atmosphere of prayer.

2..  Play worshipful music.

She compiled an hour’s worth of both instrumental and vocal music which she played at a low volume.

3.  Provide comfortable surroundings.

My friend had pillows, comfortable seating and also had coffee available that we could get when we wanted it.  Two of us were lying on the floor and I was sitting in a chair.

4.  Get comfortable.

My friend invited people to get comfortable and maintain an attitude of silence.  She also suggested that we close our eyes.

5.  Focus on the Lord.

Don’t feel like you have to get some huge revelation, just let God’s love encompass you and bask in his presence.

6.  Take your time.

My friend suggested we do one hour together.  Other groups may allow people to stay as long as they want or come or go.

My personal experiences and tips:

I was sitting in a wing back chair with my hands on the arms and it felt as if my body melted into the chair.  Before we started I was afraid I would move and disturb other people.  I was so relaxed that I didn’t need to move, which surprised me.

Some of the songs I knew and I started picturing what was going on in the song.  One was about heaven and Revelation, and I began picturing the clouds, the throne of God, and God’s presence.  I saw a lot of bright beautiful colors.

Although I was going through a lot of stress in my life at the time, I felt like there were no problems or  stresses.  It took me out of my problems and life and I rested in that heavenly place and I felt refreshed.

I was totally surprised when the time was up.  It felt like it had been twenty minutes.  I felt surrounded and wrapped in God’s love.  I felt that God was pleased with me just because I was there with Him.  I wasn’t doing what I usually do – trying to do enough good things to earn God’s approval.

The whole experience was a spiritual boost to me.  I wasn’t expecting that much my first time.  Unfortunately this was my only experience because we moved away from the area.

Since then I have found that you don’t have to be in a specific place with a group of people to experience soaking in God’s presence.  You can put on some worshipful music in a quiet place and sit silently with God.

 

The Biblical origins and traditional roots of this method of prayer:

One website on soaking prayer quotes 2 Thessalonians 3: 5  “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

copyright Susan Hardy 2011