Soaking Prayer: Rest in God’s Presence

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

Relationship Building:

Prayer is a conversation with God. But like any relationship, there are times where we just need to talk and have a good listener. There are times where we need to game plan together and figure out what the next steps are. And there are times where we just need to enjoy each other’s company. That’s where soaking prayer comes in.

It’s a special thing when you can just sit and be quiet and enjoy someone’s company. Where the conversation is just a quiet peaceful presence in the company of someone you love and who loves you.

Swinging on the porch swing, listening to the birds. Sitting in the window seat watching snow fall. Laying in the grass and looking at the clouds go by. Where you don’t have anything to say and your loved one doesn’t much either. Where you just sit and soak in the enjoyment that you have someone by your side.

That’s what soaking prayer is like. Where it’s just you and God. No agenda. No to-do lists to tackle. Letting every big thing to debrief sit on the shelf for the moment.

Sometimes I soak in God’s presence when things are chaos around me and His calmness stills my soul. I soak in His presence when I feel sucker punched by betrayal and have no words and the Lord is just gut-wrenched for me too and we just sit together. Other times, it really is just snow falling or birds chirping and we enjoy the goodness of His creation together, just because we can.

How to soak in prayer:

I think first you just get still before the Lord. It’s just a place of resting and knowing He is God and good. It’s setting your mind on His good character and not on the good or the bad of your circumstances.

You can literally soak in the tub, soak in the worship music as it washes over you, and just rest in God’s presence.

Or you can get down on your knees in a quiet place, close your eyes, and just hide in God’s presence.

It can look any which of way. A stroll in the park. A hike around the lake. On your knees in your kitchen on the floor. Resting in the seat in the airport waiting for your flight.

God’s presence:

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength..."

Isaiah 30: 15

You can soak in God’s presence anywhere. Music or no music. Words or no words.

Soaking prayer will restore your soul. It will strengthen you.

Whether grieving or rejoicing, this practice of getting still and soaking in God’s presence fortifies the body, mind, and spirit. It is a practice though. It may feel hard for you at first if you have never rested in your life or if you always have the radio on. If you can’t sit still or handle the quiet. I assure you though, the quiet doesn’t bite. In fact, it will heal your restlessness and striving and deliver you in ways you didn’t see coming.

Try it today. Even if just for a few moments. Rest in His presence and just be. No agenda. No debriefing. And no line items. Just know that He is God, and you are His child.