Prayer Soaking
 

Came across this on CARM, bizarre....


Hi Folks, I am sort of new here, and used to belong to a "charismatic" church, and have no beef with them, so this is not an antagonistic question.

But I have friends that are into this "prayer soaking" thing- where they lay around on long sheets of what looks like blue plastic saran wrap (representing a river) and even lay under the plastic. There is also a piece of plastic that's white, a circle, placed on the floor, called a "portal" for the Holy Spirit to "enter". They chant, and from what I observed, seemed to get into an altered state of consciousness. The visiting evangelist brought with him this sort of "shrine" looking thing, with candles, gem stones, a bridal veil (that he wears sometimes) and some scarves he wears, decorated with rhinestones, sequins, etc. He brings all his "love gifts" that people send him, like a red satin heart shaped pillow. These items are arranged on a table. There is also a "crown" on top of the stack of items, as well as a breastplate, with 12 stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
They stand or sit for HOURS (4-5) listening to music that frankly sounds very "new age"-ish to me.
I cannot find any Scriptural evidence for what I believe is this hokey-ness. And I read that this "soaking" started with the Toronto blessing thing.
I don't see where we need props and "things" to enter into the presence of God nor to mediate on His Word.
Anyone want to defend this SOAKING experience? You are free to do so, but I've seen it, and do not believe it to be of the Holy Spirit, but that's just my opinion- you all may state yours.
Respectfully,
Emet
http://forums.carm.org/vbb/showthrea...r-Soaking-quot

I've never heard of this, even amongst charismatics, anyone else ever heard of such?????

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

Let em alone... they just help focus faith... they hav portals and imaginary rivers... others shake their hair in the wind...

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

I've heard of it.

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

With all the trappings?

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

Yes.

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

stupid

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

Don't knock it till you've tried it :christmasjig

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

I've heard a lot of SOAKING in this part of Canada, but never heard of all the trappings listed. SOAKING, from what I've heard here, is simply prayer with music in the background. Some move out in the Spirit and pray for each other. But it is basically just prayer and SOAKING in His presence, so to speak.

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

I want to lay in plastic wrap... nevermind. :-/

Re: Prayer Soaking
 

I researched this some more on the web after reading this thread, and I learned that soaking prayer emphasizes leaving your mind blank, and that concerns me. Prayer in the bible is purposeful and not leaving one's mind blank. Emptying our minds to receive "whatever" is more involved in transcendental meditation. I heard much teaching on the dangers of leaving one's mind blank and more or less opening oneself up to ANY spirit, not just the Lord's, inadvertently. It is said that the enemy is attracted to that sort of fluff, since it invites a take-over of the mind, while God never takes us over but always cooperates with us with our consciousness fully alert and involved.

Comments?