1/ Come to him. Start from where you are. Put on some music that focuses
on the Lord – which will help you be still. Get comfortable.
2/
Settle down and
begin to open your heart to the Lord. Listen to the worship, focus on the Lord,
and let the Holy Spirit come. You cannot force or hurry this. The idea is not
to "get" something but to "be" with someone. Take time just
to be with Him; to love Him and let Him love you. Humble yourself before Him.
Give all your worries and cares to the Lord talking to Him about them. Pray a
prayer like this.
"Father, 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 music. If you fall
asleep, that’s OK. If you are interrupted, you can always come back for more.
You will feel a satisfaction in your heart and a release to go and get on with
life.
3/ If things keep coming to mind, don’t get frustrated. If
it’s sins, confess them (briefly!). If it’s things to remember, scribble a note
(short!) and leave it. Perhaps come to the Cross and receive forgiveness from
him.
4/ Some people take time to learn to receive, this is also
common so do not become discouraged: allow yourself to rest and persevere in
seeking the Lord.
We have been
taught from our early childhood to accomplish, to finish the task, to do, do,
do. We are taught that we will be rewarded on the basis of our successful
performances and some of us, especially leaders, have trouble with long time
lingering in His presence just basking in His love. But experiencing
God’s presence is what will cause you to love the Lord with all your heart and
soul. (Matthew 22:37)
5/ Doing this alone is great. But there is a place for
corporate soaking too. A particular anointing from God can be present when
people gather to seek his face together. It can be easier humanly too if we are
soaking with others. Plus it is possible to receive prayer as well which helps
the whole process.
6/ As we passionately pursue an intimate relationship with
God He gives us ‘more’ and we give it away to others. This is the Great
Commandment, ‘Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and
love your neighbour as yourself.' People need Jesus and his love – we are the
carriers of the virus!
Jesus said in Luke 11:11-13, "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 will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
