A quiet way of praying
People usually use the phrase soaking prayer to describe prayer that is less about speaking many words and more about resting quietly before God. Someone may sit comfortably, play gentle worship music, read a short passage, thank God, and leave room for silence. They may pray about what is on their mind, then simply remain attentive to God.
The Bible does not use the phrase soaking prayer. So there is no single biblical formula for it. Still, Scripture does invite God’s people to be still before him, and it shows Jesus making space to pray alone (Psalm 46:10; Mark 1:35).
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Stillness is not emptiness
Christian stillness is not about emptying your mind or trying to reach a detached state. It is about turning your attention towards the living God. You might quietly repeat a truth from Scripture, thank Jesus for his care, or bring a worry into God’s presence. When your thoughts wander, you can gently return to him.
Mary gives a helpful picture. While Martha was distracted by many tasks, Mary sat near Jesus and listened to his word. Jesus did not condemn service, but he recognised that listening to him mattered deeply (Luke 10:39-42).
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
What might it look like?
You could begin with five or ten minutes. Read a few verses, such as a psalm or a Gospel scene. Tell God plainly what you are carrying. Then sit quietly for a little while. If worship music helps you focus on God, use it. If it distracts you, turn it off. There is freedom here.
Prayer is not measured by how intense the moment feels. Paul encouraged believers to bring their requests to God with prayer, thanksgiving, and trust, and he pointed them towards God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Some days may feel peaceful. Other days may feel ordinary or restless. You can still come.
Testing what you sense
During quiet prayer, people sometimes sense a conviction, a comforting thought, a Scripture coming to mind, or a direction they believe God may be giving. Receive such impressions humbly, not as unquestionable commands. Scripture tells Christians to test spiritual claims rather than accept everything automatically (1 John 4:1).
God will not contradict the character and teaching revealed in Scripture. A thought that leads you away from Jesus, fuels pride or fear, excuses sin, or conflicts with God’s word should not be treated as his voice. Mature Christians can also help you weigh significant decisions.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Resting in God’s welcome
Soaking prayer can be a helpful practice if it helps you love God, listen to his word, and bring your real life before him. It is not more spiritual than spoken prayer, praying with others, singing, confession, or asking God for help. Different seasons call for different kinds of prayer.
Jesus invited weary people to come to him for rest (Matthew 11:28-29). Start simply. Open the Bible, speak honestly, be quiet for a moment, and keep returning to God. The point is not perfect stillness. It is fellowship with him.