Soaking Worship Music: A Fresh Beat

When we think of Christian music, traditionally we think of Gospel or CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), maybe some other kind of alternative rock with Christian influences and a splash of Gospel R&B.

But when you hear “soaking” what comes to mind? A looser description of soaking music is music that you can relax to. There is really no need for words just a relaxing moment and enjoy the silky sounds moving over your eardrums. Luxuriate in it as in a bath full of bubbles.

In order to know the definition, you must know the purpose behind soaking music. Its purpose is so that you can “set aside time for God” or flow into His presence”, therefore the music is very low tempo, rarely upbeat if at all.

For example, ever stayed until the end of a worship service in church and there is an altar call?

During the altar call, typically there is some quiet music the band plays. This is to get the members in a mind focused on the Lord- the music accompanies the actions, buoys it. That is soaking music.

By now you are probably wondering, just what is it that makes soaking music unique?

First,Soaking music is not very “beaty”, and second, it is not (but can be) mainstream. Third- many of the soaking artists sing for healing, adoration of the Lord, or prophesy through their music.

Certainly most Christian/Gospel music can do this, yet soaking are songs sung unto God. It is very smooth and relaxing and it sets you in a place that frames your heart and soul for God.

Says, Ray Watson from Secretplaceministries.org:

There is a cry today in the hearts of God's people for greater intimacy in worship - for songs that are God-breathed, songs that are birthed in another world and can bring that world to us, songs that are so touched by His presence that they capture every heart for Him. There, in the secret place, we are captivated by His love and consumed with His purpose for our lives. There, in the intimacy of worship, we will lay down our brief lives in pursuit of the greatest privilege ever offered to man - to be lovers of God.

There are some names making its way around the net and by word of mouth- of those who produce soaking music. Kimberly and Alberto Rivera, Julie True, and Kathi Wilson are just a few popular names.

Travel with Soaking Music

Modern technology and mobile devices have made it easier to carry music and videos around, so some of these tips will take advantage of those tools.

• In the morning before you get to work or go out somewhere-pray to the Lord(I like using the Lord’s Prayer found in the Holy Bible in Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer can be uttered in your mind or out loud, but begin your day this way to break down evil one's strongholds and to focus on being positive.
• Selecting your soaking music is easy. Do you want prophetic? Healing? Worship? The artists I list here have really awesome worship music ranging from the prophetic to healing. Your spirit will lead you to the kind of soaking music appropriate to feast on. Put your soaking track into your iPods, MP3 player and other listening device. Relax.
• You don’t have to do anything from here. Completely listen to the sounds and let it minister to you.

If you are a Christian, then you know it is important to serve the Lord within your home and not just inside of a church building. You can have an atmosphere conducive to allowing God to be your focus.

If you have a Scripture in mind, meditate on that Scripture and get into a place of peace. Focus on God.

Key Scriptures before and after you soak in God’s presence:

Psalm 1

Psalms 8:1

Psalms 95:6

John 4:21-24 find more on Call to Worship

If you can’t focus on the Lord and something is biting at your mind, put on the soaking music quickly. Your house should not have television on; and phones and other devices should be off. Maybe soft lighting or candles lit would work. Without distractions, you can fully immerse in the presence of the Lord.

Soaking is a new style of music so you may not prefer it right away. It takes some getting used to and some songs last more than six minutes while others run over fifteen minutes!

But it is all well worth getting closer to God. It is not that you need music to get close to God, it is just a really good conduit to do so in a hectic, busy world today.