What Is Soaking Worship?

© 2008-2022 Nicki Black


"Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." ~ Matthew 11:28

What is soaking? Soaking is a restful time you purpose with your heavenly Father, where you don't actively pursue or engage him through worship, such as you would do on a Sunday morning at church. Soaking worship may be quiet and reflective, or it may be more intense from a watchman's wall. It may be songs of testimony and refining fire. It may be instrumentally light, or more prophetic with breakthrough. It may be His spoken Word over an instrumental background. One thing for certain is that it is not unbiblical. It dates back to the beginning of time with David and the Tabernacle, and the appointed Levites (Deu 10:8, Daniel 10:8-10, Psalm 27:4, 1 Chronicles 16:23, Matthew 22:37, Genesis 2:21, Luke 9:32, for starters). When you make soaking part of your daily walk with the Lord, you can find peace and great perspective. You will find that you are able to navigate the stresses of the world in which you live much more easily. When we allow ourselves to be made still for refreshing, discernment and strength arise, and guide our words and actions.

What does soaking look like? Soaking is ageless, for all who come can lay their burdens down and find rest. When you come to soak, you come to tune out the troubles and worries of the world, and plug into the place without distraction where you can hear His voice and receive comfort from the Holy Spirit. Some people bring a blanket and pillow, and they fall asleep as they soak. Some bring their art supplies, and they sketch what the Holy Spirit is stirring within them. Some journal while soaking. Some soak by waving and/or dancing with worship flags. I paint and soak, and very often we leave it playing in the house throughout the day and night. It looks different to everyone, for there is not just one way the Lord speaks into our hearts. There is not just one way to soak. It is as personal as we are individual (Psalm 139.)

When I lead soaking in a live setting, it is always unique and more often than not, spontaneous. I press into what I sense in the room, and the needs of those who have come, and even the needs of those who may be listening at a later time. I have learned not to sing just to sing, for the more I submit to the unction of the Holy Spirit, the more I take my hands completely off the wheel. My goal is only this: To stay in a place of intercession and listening without myself as an obstacle, and to pursue His face with new eyes and new ears. I do not want to miss His voice so I can effectively and compassionately minister to you, and to my own heart, as well.

(All text, image, and audio content is copyrighted © 2008-2022 Nicki Black. Scripture verses are the public domain.)