What do you mean 'Soaking'?
The old word would be 'wait on the Lord' or 'tarry', but there is an emphasis on rest, as over against striving in prayer. Soft intimate worship music will help you quiet your soul and draw you near to God.

Why would I want to?
There is a deep need in everyone of us to be close to God. Some have described it as a 'God-shaped' vacuum inside of every human heart that longs to be fulfilled.

How do I know I need to soak?
- If you are spiritually dry, soaking can revitalize your spirit.

- If you long to move more powerfully in the gifts of the Spirit, soaking can help you hear God clearly.

- If you are looking for fresh vision and direction in life, soaking can bring it.

- If you are about to start something new and need the Lord's strengthening, soaking can refresh you.

- If you are searching for an answer to some problem/situation, soaking can help you find the way.

- If you carry responisblities, soaking can lift the burden.

- If you are trapped by habitual sin, soaking can empower you to break free.

- If you are having relational difficulties, soaking can give you new resources of grace, patience and love.

- If you simply want to have more intimacy in your love for your heavenly Father, soaking can take you deeper.

Once I get up can I come back for more?
Yes, it is often good to get up, have a break and pray over things that the Lord has shown you (either on your own or with another), write things down so you won't forget, then return and soak some more. Just be sensitive to others about you and move quietly.

How will I know when God is finished?
The more you soak the easier it will become to recognize when to stop. Often you will sense a lifting of the anointing and a reviving of energy.

Remember, you will never get beyond the need for more of the Holy Spirit.

Do I have to lie down?
No, you can soak sitting in a chair if you find it more comfortable. Being still and at rest is the key. It aligns our bodies with our hearts' attitude of submissiveness and attentiveness to God. lying down helps to minimize the distractions cause by activity in the room.

How will I know if soaking is doing me any good?
Many people feel immediate benefits such as a renewed love for the Lord, a lifting of weights or fresh energy. Often evidence of long term changes are discovered later when back in daily life.

What if I fall asleep?
That's perfectly valid. Deep, Holy Spirit sleep is very good for us, especially in difficult and stressful times. (Gen 2:21, 15:12, Dan 10:8-10, Luke 9:32)

So do I just lie down with a blank mind?
No! Lie down with your mind and heart set on Jesus. Give all your worries and cares to the Lord. Talk to Him about them.

Pray a prayer that says to God something like: "I invite You to come and search my heart. Come close and let me know Your love." Let worship rise up inside you and give yourself to the Lord. I you become distracted then refocus on Jesus. Remind yourself why you are soaking and listen to the worship.

Can I trust it is the Holy Spirit working?
These sessions are covered in prayer to create a safe place. Give the Holy Spirit permission to work in your heart - don't try to analyze things. The Lord has no favourites. He will always give the Holy Spirit to those who ask:

"If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, konw how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"
(Luke 11:11-13)

Other spirits can't come near us when the Holy Spirit is around - expect his diving protection.

How long do I stay down for? It takes most people at least ten minutes before they stop thinking about the day's events or future plans and come to a place of rest. So it's unlikely that you would get much out of soaking if you do it for less than fifteen minutes.

We have found that the Holy Spirit comes in waves. As you wait, another wave will come to take you deeper into the presence of the Lord. So, the longer you soak the better.