Anyone tried "Soaking"?

[AnnaRose]

I’ve done a search on soaking and it looks like another fancy way of meditating. Also noticed that several leaders are x-priests.

Has anyone had experience with this?

 

[parishioner]

What is it? I’ve never heard of it.

 

[AnnaRose]

What is soaking prayer?

Soaking prayer is a communal worship time that involves resting in the presence of the Lord and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart. Intimate worship music is played and scriptures are read. These sessions are covered in prayer to create a safe place.* It is a time for you to listen to God, and receive a special anointing of his blessing.

Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Lust, Pride & Anger

 

[Annunciata]

AnnaRose:

What is soaking prayer?

Soaking prayer is a communal worship time that involves resting in the presence of the Lord and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart. Intimate worship music is played and scriptures are read. These sessions are covered in prayer to create a safe place.* It is a time for you to listen to God, and receive a special anointing of his blessing.

Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Lust, Pride & Anger

I’m not sure if it was called “soaking prayer” but a priest of my former parish conducted something like what you are describing for the CCD teachers…We spent time before the tabernacle and basically were told to listen to what God was saying and in the end we each gave a brief description of our experience and.what we thought God was saying to each of us… We were also asked to pray for what we needed from Him to advance…I felt He was giving me keys… another received a lamb…

 

[Joysong]

Dear Anna,

I’ve done a search on soaking and it looks like another fancy way of meditating. Also noticed that several leaders are x-priests.

It is hard to tell from your brief post what you learned from your search, and how you discovered that the leaders are ex-priests. Maybe you could elaborate?

I saw the words “soaking prayer” in books that describe prayer for healing. There are times when either an individual person or a group must remain a good deal longer in prayer for persons who have severe medical problems.

We might understand it better under the analogy of an iron. A severely wrinkled fabric will not flatten with an iron set on “silk” with a brief touch. It needs a much hotter iron, applied for a longer period of time to ease the wrinkles.

Those praying are often not aware of anything personally, but those for whom they pray sometimes (not always) report that they felt a strong warm heat from the “laying on of hands.” We cannot see or sense God’s healing energy, but He may permit this to increase faith - I don’t know why.

There are many mysteries to the gift of healing and God does not have a specific formula. I understand that persons in need of deep healing are “soaked” with a much longer time of prayer, perhaps with persistent prayer of many days. This prayer is more easily offered by those advanced in prayer who are able to maintain this lengthly, deep concentration and communion with God, which may last up to a few hours. It helps to have a group so that the prayer can be continued by others while one takes a break from this focus.

The teaching I read was to encourage families not to give up when initial prayers do not seem to obtain healing, but to faithfully pray together daily with their family member using “soaking prayer” and/or laying on of hands. That is, of course, provided there is no guidance they are not to pray for healing, as in terminal situations. They may and should pray for them, but use a different petition.

Carole

 

[Trelow]

I’d rather just go to holy mass to soak in His sacrifice, Eucharistic adoration to soak in His presence, confession to soak in His mercy, pray a rosary to soak in his ministry, study the scriptures and documents of the Church to soak in the work of the Holy Sprit, and hold my children or sit in a tree stand to soak in the glory of His creation.

If most of the leaders are ex-priests then that shows you the fruits, eh?

 

[maklavan]

I am with joysong on this one. I did a lot of research on prayer forms at one time, and soaking prayerwas always used in the context of healing. It would apply where a person has physical,emotional or spriritual needs which require constant attention over a period of time. For instance, a prayer group might pray earnestly over many weeks for a person suffering from terminal cancer.

 

[Annunciata]

maklavan:

I am with joysong on this one. I did a lot of research on prayer forms at one time, and soaking prayerwas always used in the context of healing. It would apply where a person has physical,emotional or spriritual needs which require constant attention over a period of time. For instance, a prayer group might pray earnestly over many weeks for a person suffering from terminal cancer.

This is more in line w/ what I thought “Soaking Prayer” is…When in CR, we often would use the words of “Washing/Saturating them in prayer”… Is Sauturating prayer considered the same?

 

[Joysong]

Hi Annunciata,

Isn’t it true that we mortals have difficulty finding terminology to express the inexpressible? Maybe that’s why there are various words coined by man to all say and mean the same thing. I think you are right about “saturating” prayer. I suppose if we studied a thesaurus we could come up with a few more synonyms.

Hi Trelow,

With regard to ex-priests and measuring their fruits, I don’t think we can enter into an opinion on this. The person whom I referred to, and whose writings I studied, was Rev. Francis McNutt, who is presently an ex-priest. However, when he was very active in the healing ministry and wrote two books on it, I believe very definitely that God was working through him.

And … still may be, even though he has left the priesthood. Can any of us know how God sees him? I remember the apostles chiding Jesus to do something about those who were casting out devils in His name. He said to leave them alone — those who were not against HIm, were for HIm. Can Reverend McNutt ask for healing in the name of Jesus, even as an ex-priest, yet be thought of as healing through the power of the evil one? :nope:

Just a thought.

Carole

 

[tom.wineman]

Soaking up scripture is a good way to find out what God is saying.

 

[Trelow]

Joysong:

Hi Trelow,

With regard to ex-priests and measuring their fruits, I don’t think we can enter into an opinion on this. The person whom I referred to, and whose writings I studied, was Rev. Francis McNutt, who is presently an ex-priest. However, when he was very active in the healing ministry and wrote two books on it, I believe very definitely that God was working through him.

And … still may be, even though he has left the priesthood. Can any of us know how God sees him? I remember the apostles chiding Jesus to do something about those who were casting out devils in His name. He said to leave them alone — those who were not against HIm, were for HIm. Can Reverend McNutt ask for healing in the name of Jesus, even as an ex-priest, yet be thought of as healing through the power of the evil one? :nope:

Just a thought.

Carole

I’d say anything that takes men out of the priesthood is against Jesus, that’s pretty dang plain to see.

 

[AnnaRose]

Thanks to everyone for your replies.

I guess some people need more “emotion” than others when praying. In grade school we were taught to make a visit to church and sit quietly in prayer before the tabernacle. Why don’t they bring this practice back?

Asking God continually for the same petition sounds like God is deaf. And if intercessary prayer is necessary I’d go straight to His Mother Mary…He very seldom refuses her.

I was just wondering if there was anyone that is/was involved in soaking and what their thoughts are.

When I go to daily mass I bring an imaginary basket with me full of “my intentions and problems” to present to Jesus. When I leave the “basket” always feels much lighter.


If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

Hi Annunciata,

Isn’t it true that we mortals have difficulty finding terminology to express the inexpressible? Maybe that’s why there are various words coined by man to all say and mean the same thing. I think you are right about “saturating” prayer. I suppose if we studied a thesaurus we could come up with a few more synonyms.

Hi Trelow,

With regard to ex-priests and measuring their fruits, I don’t think we can enter into an opinion on this. The person whom I referred to, and whose writings I studied, was Rev. Francis McNutt, who is presently an ex-priest. However, when he was very active in the healing ministry and wrote two books on it, I believe very definitely that God was working through him.

And … still may be, even though he has left the priesthood. Can any of us know how God sees him? I remember the apostles chiding Jesus to do something about those who were casting out devils in His name. He said to leave them alone — those who were not against HIm, were for HIm. Can Reverend McNutt ask for healing in the name of Jesus, even as an ex-priest, yet be thought of as healing through the power of the evil one? :nope:

Just a thought.

Carole

He’s also now an Episcopalian, if I’m not mistaken. I may be, though.

 

[Annunciata]

JKirkLVNV:

He’s also now an Episcopalian, if I’m not mistaken. I may be, though.

He married his psychiatrist… not sure of his present affiliation …I’m assuming he went through proper channels to be liaised…

 

[Joysong]

Dear JKirk, Trelow, and Annunciata,

No matter what reason caused him to leave the priesthood, I still think his writings and teaching about healing prior to leaving, are full of practical wisdom born of prayerful experience. Have you read the books? How many of us are called, gifted, and lose grace, whether it be for a time until a conversion takes place, or permanently.

I recall something St. Teresa of Avila wrote about this. She said that even though a person may have lost their union with God, He will see to it that He did not bestow these graces on them in vain, but will cause others to benefit from His gifts to them, in spite of this loss of grace. This is my opinion of Rev. McNutt. I still value his earlier written teachings, and I believe that they were Spirit-inspired — thanks be to God! — and let us also bless Him for not permitting us to enter into judgment about his present status.

P. S. St. Teresa’s reference is from Interior Castle, Ch. V:3:1. She actually mentions “turning aside from the heavenly path which consists of keeping the commandments.”

Carole

 

[Annunciata]

Joysong:

Dear JKirk, Trelow, and Annunciata,

No matter what reason caused him to leave the priesthood, I still think his writings and teaching about healing prior to leaving, are full of practical wisdom born of prayerful experience. Have you read the books? How many of us are called, gifted, and lose grace, whether it be for a time until a conversion takes place, or permanently.

I recall something St. Teresa of Avila wrote about this. She said that even though a person may have lost their union with God, He will see to it that He did not bestow these graces on them in vain, but will cause others to benefit from His gifts to them, in spite of this loss of grace. This is my opinion of Rev. McNutt. I still value his earlier written teachings, and I believe that they were Spirit-inspired — thanks be to God! — and let us also bless Him for not permitting us to enter into judgment about his present status.

Carole

Joysong…yes I read his books and feel that they were indeed blessed… But, sometimes it’s just hard to come to grips w/ his leaving the priesthood …my problem…I’m trying not to judge…just very disappointed because I felt that he had so much to offer the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church…

 

[Joysong]

Dear Anne,

Yes, my heart was very heavy and broken when I first learned of this. How much more under attack are the priests who are so specially gifted. All the more reason to pray for them, which was the very reason St. Teresa founded her order - to pray for priests.

If you read anything about her encounters with priests, there were a few who had mistresses, yet she reclaimed them from evil through her prayer and they converted. As long as there is life, there is hope. Amen! Secular Carmelites today adopt two diocesan priests on their profession day and promise to keep them in their perpetual prayer and penances.

Isn’t it interesting that Sister Briege McKenna who also has a healing ministry, is primarily giving conferences to priests about the holiness of their vocation in celebration of the Eucharist.

I think Our Lord is burdening the hearts of many of His friends to pray, pray, pray. These are his specially chosen beloved priests. Did you ever read Our Lord’s words to St. Catherine of Siena about His priests? It breaks your heart to read it! And one can feel the Lord’s longing to bring them home.

Carole

 

[Annunciata]

Joysong:

Dear Anne,

Yes, my heart was very heavy and broken when I first learned of this. How much more under attack are the priests who are so specially gifted. All the more reason to pray for them, which was the very reason St. Teresa founded her order - to pray for priests.

If you read anything about her encounters with priests, there were a few who had mistresses, yet she reclaimed them from evil through her prayer and they converted. As long as there is life, there is hope. Amen! Secular Carmelites today adopt two diocesan priests on their profession day and promise to keep them in their perpetual prayer and penances.

Isn’t it interesting that Sister Briege McKenna who also has a healing ministry, is primarily giving conferences to priests about the holiness of their vocation in celebration of the Eucharist.

I think Our Lord is burdening the hearts of many of His friends to pray, pray, pray. These are his specially chosen beloved priests. Did you ever read Our Lord’s words to St. Catherine of Siena about His priests? It breaks your heart to read it! And one can feel the Lord’s longing to bring them home.

Carole

Hi Carole,
Indeed we need to pray always for our beloved priests…I pray a Rosary everyday for them and we have a Perpetual Rosary for Priests Thread right here in the Spirituality forum…please join in!

 

[Joysong]

Hi AnnaRose,

I guess some people need more “emotion” than others when praying. In grade school we were taught to make a visit to church and sit quietly in prayer before the tabernacle. Why don’t they bring this practice back?

They are bringing this practice back, little by little. The grass roots faithful are petitioning pastors for Eucharistic Adoration. Many are praying at least monthly on First Friday with 24-hour adoration, and I know of many churches which have perpetual adoration 24-hours a day.

Asking God continually for the same petition sounds like God is deaf.

I don’t think that is what takes place in soaking prayer. Prayer is not always “asking” over and over, but is usually just being with God in the same way as you mention above. Only difference, it is not in front of the tabernacle, but in the presence of the person whom we hold before God, many times in a wordless manner, allowing God to “soak” them with His blessing. We become conduits, so to speak — the same as an iron which merely channels the heat from electricity to the fabric. The pray-er just makes sure to keep plugged in so the electricity can flow. Poor analogy, but I cannot think of a better way to say it.

Carole

 

[Joysong]

Dear AnnaRose,

Twice you have asked whether or not anyone has experience with this type of prayer, and I don’t think we answered you yet.

I have done this recently with another prayer partner for a third person who asked us to pray for her. She was suffering from severe boils all over her body, and six months of drugs and ultraviolet ray treatment from a dermatologist proved to be ineffective.

Although this is not in the category of severe physical problems, the condition was not responding medically, so we felt that a prolonged time of prayer would be needed. We spent maybe 25 minutes in prayer, with my hand on her left shoulder and my friend’s on her right. After awhile, she commented that there was a great deal of heat radiating in the left shoulder where I had laid my hand. Yet nothing on the right.

I think God has a sense of humor, for had she felt heat from both of us, I would just have suspected it was due to the length of time we prayed and was simply our body heat that she felt. But since she only felt it from one side, we concluded it was God’s way of letting us know the prayer had been effective and we could stop praying. Sure enough, her condition was healed within a few days and has not returned.

Please understand that it was not because my prayer was better than my friend’s, but I think it was just God’s way of teaching us how to interpret what happened so we might not fasten human cause to the heat - both sides would have warmed, in that case. And it probably increased the faith in the person for whom we prayed. Keep in mind, too, that the ill person was also in prayer, so there was a lot of communion with the Lord there.

One thing that Agnes Sanford always taught, was to visualize the person well and healed, rather than sick. We “see” in our imagination that God is infusing health and blessing, according to His holy will for this person. So that eliminates a “please, dear God?” approach to prayer, but gives Him sovereignty to act as He wishes, which is usually for health. The friend for whom we prayed was absolutely trustful with deep faith, which is usually something that God desires, as well, before we begin to pray.

I hope this brief sharing helps you to understand better. Truly, I have not experienced or prayed with soaking prayer in its truest definition for the long periods described by Fr. McNutt of several hours’ duration. But I believe it is possible; so maybe some day God could call me to pray with a small group in this manner.

Carole