The term “soaking” is simply a way of describing the posture of our heart (and often our body) during worship. It is a time of stillness and quiet reflection upon the Lord where we can commune with Him and enjoy His Presence. If you stop focusing on all the instruments, the singing, the words of the songs, the worship leader’s exhortation and simply focus on intimacy with Jesus; that is soaking. It is where the music washes over you and your heart finds rest in worship. During times of soaking, our emphasis is on simply “being”. People often meditate on scripture or journal; but it is all from a posture of stillness before the Lord.
Moreover, “Soaking Music” otherwise known as Soaking Prayer music or Soaking Worship music, is a subgenre of Christian Music, and is commonly used to denote songs that are used during contemplative prayer in prayer houses and other “soaking” Christian meetings. The description broadly encompasses any Christian music that is conducive to these types of gatherings.
The purpose of Soaking Music is “setting aside of oneself to focus and meditate on God for renewal of strength and peace”
It is a relatively new genre on the Christian music scene. Popularized by the recent upsurgence of local prayer houses, it has developed to incorporate some typical characteristics such as spontaneous singing, free praise, and instrumental sections. Often spontaneous in nature, the style somewhat resembles the feel of Easy Listening. It explores Christian themes, often focusing on the attributes of Jesus Christ and His achievements. Defining features include an unstructured approach with plenty of space and a relaxing mood. Simple and melodic lines are used with a strong presence of repetition. Sudden changes or upbeat, driving rhythms are often avoided.
Soaking music is not prevalent in a vast majority of Christian churches, whose services consist more of contemporary Christian music and praise and worship.
The key is where your focus is. On the things of God or on things of this world. Bible reading and prayer are not enough. We must take time alone with Him, not asking for anything but more of Him, more of His fullness, more of His Presence in our everyday lives. God releases power through us as we dwell in intimacy with Him. The natural outworking of His Presence is miracles.
During soaking times, we position ourselves to receive impressions, nudges, quiet whispers, pictures, angelic visitations, and supernatural revelations. Here is a partial list of what to expect:
Dreams (Job 33:14-16; Genesis 28:10-16)
Visions (Daniel 7:1-3,9; Acts 16:9-10)
Trances (Acts 10:9-17, 11:5)
Out of body experiences (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)
Angelic visitations (Luke 1:57,11-17; Acts 12:7-10)
Being transported in the Spirit (Acts 8:39-40)
In its’ most basic form, soaking is the practice of finding a quiet place to spend time with Yahweh, emptying your mind of all distraction and attempting to get into contact with the Ruach.
SOURCE: Watson, R. (2018) “Soaking Worship Music” / Kleint, K. (2015) “Soaking vs. Quiet Time”
MUSIC PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH
ADVISORY BOARD
Maestra Celeste S. Sanchez, MT
Ms. Maricel G. Morales, Viva Artist
Prof. Shedy Dee C. Mallari, LPT, RPm
Ms. Karen M. Atendido, Seiko Artist
Maestro Conrado Manuel N. Del Rosario
Dr. Peter Charles Kutschera, PhD, LMSW
Dr. Homer J. Yabut, PhD, RPsy
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