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Friday 7.30pm
Sunday 10.30am
Soak -
to
become thoroughly wet, or saturated by immersion
Quiet -
to
be untroubled, free from activities, distractions, still, calm
Listen -
to
concentrate on hearing something, take heed, pay attention
Wait -
to
stay in one place, or remain inactive in expectation of something
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Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your
heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! (Ps.27:14)
Rest
in the Lord and wait patiently for Him
(Psalm
37:7)
Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)
What do you mean 'soaking'?
The old word would be 'wait on the Lord' or 'tarry', but there is an
emphasis on rest, compared to 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 every one 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 revitalise 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 hurting inside, soaking can ease the pain.
* 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 responsibilities, soaking can lift your 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 more intimacy in your love for your heavenly
Father, soaking can take you deeper.
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. If you become distracted then
re-focus 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 analyse
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, know 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 divine 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.
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 recognise 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 minimise the distractions caused 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)
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