What is Soaking Worship?

Feb 22

Soaking worship” has become a familiar term in church life today, but what do we mean by it?

As the name suggests, soaking worship has two aspects.

Worship speaks of the giving of our adoration, honor, and love to God
Soaking speaks of receiving and drinking from God

Soaking worship means that we are simultaneously focused on both giving and receiving. At first glance, this appears to be a contradiction.

It has often been said that worship should be a one-way giving of our adoration to God. A time in which we expect nothing in return.

However, the Bible reveals that God’s desire has always been for communion, relationship, and encounter.

The tabernacle was an early place of worship that God referred to as “the tabernacle of meeting where I will meet with you.” (Exodus 30:36) [1]

The key elements of soaking worship are:

An attitude of worship
Being positioned to encounter God
Spending quality, unhurried time.

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.” (Ps 42:1)

The Psalms give us glimpses of the worshipper’s heart. In Psalm 63, David expresses both his longing and thirst for God and his worship of God. The two go hand in hand.

There is something in our hearts and spirits that can only be satisfied in the place of worship.

How Soaking Worship Takes Place

Soaking worship can take place either privately or publicly. However, by its very nature, soaking worship is personal.

I sometimes lead into a type of ‘soaking worship’ session when ministering in conferences and camps. This enables individuals to encounter God and gives the Holy Spirit room to minister. It is also an opportunity to take the teaching of God’s word deeper—from heads into hearts.

When our hearts are open in worship and an attitude of surrender, we are open to receiving the ministry of the Holy Spirit more than any other time.

Each of us encounters and worships God in a very unique way.

2 Benefits of Soaking Worship

1. Soaking Worship Fosters Intimacy with God

Taking time in God’s Presence to love, worship, and appreciate Him as well as to receive from Him helps develop our intimate relationship with Him.

We open our heart’s door and welcome Jesus inside to commune with us. (Rev 3:20)

We catch a revelation of the Father’s heart, His grace, and His love. In the light of His grace and favor, we can open up the innermost places of our souls, where we have been hurt and damaged—and in that space, the experience of His love can heal us.

2. Soaking Worship Facilitates Encounter

Soaking worship encourages individuals to have a personal encounter with God. We set aside intentional time to worship and meet with Jesus.

Soaking worship also has natural benefits. As we physically and mentally relax in God’s Presence it helps relieve us from stress, pressure, and anxiety.

The above are personal benefits to the worshipper. However, God Himself delights in and benefits from our times of encounter and worship of Him. ‘I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.’ (SOS 7:10)

Personal Times of Soaking Worship

Soaking worship is something that we can incorporate into our personal times with God. It is especially helpful during seasons when we have experienced weariness, and dryness or are at a crossroads when we need to hear what is on our Father’s heart.

It is important to remember that soaking worship is not a replacement for our devotional life, although it can complement it. Our experience of God should always be grounded in His Word and these times of encountering God should always be balanced with times of Bible study.

Naomi Phillips