Soaking in the Spirit: Summary Review

What if the key to deepening your relationship with God wasn't found in striving, but in stillness? In Soaking in the Spirit, Carol Arnott offers a transformative approach to spiritual intimacy that invites believers to experience God's presence through restful surrender.

What is the Book About?

Soaking in the Spirit introduces readers to the practice of "soaking prayer," a method of resting in God's presence to foster deeper intimacy, hear His voice, and receive healing. Carol Arnott, drawing from over twenty-five years of experience, guides readers through the process of quieting the mind and heart to allow the Holy Spirit to work within. The book emphasizes that spiritual breakthroughs often come not from relentless effort but from peaceful surrender to God's presence.

Throughout the book, Arnott provides practical steps and activation exercises to help readers incorporate soaking prayer into their daily lives. She discusses the importance of developing a consistent lifestyle of abiding in Jesus' presence, accessing the healing power of the Spirit, and encountering the Father's love in profound ways. By embracing this practice, believers can experience a transformative shift in their spiritual journey, moving from striving to resting in God's love.

Book Details

Print length: 160 pages
Language: English
Publication date: January 8, 2020
Genre: Christian Living / Prayer / Spiritual Growth

Book Author

Core Theme

At the heart of Soaking in the Spirit is the concept that true spiritual transformation occurs not through relentless effort but through restful communion with God. Arnott emphasizes that by intentionally setting aside time to be still and soak in God's presence, believers can experience profound healing, clarity, and a deeper understanding of God's love. This practice shifts the focus from doing to being, allowing the Holy Spirit to work within and bring about lasting change.

The book also addresses common misconceptions about prayer and spiritual growth, challenging the notion that constant activity equates to spiritual maturity. Instead, Arnott advocates for a balanced approach that includes periods of rest and reflection. By embracing soaking prayer, readers are encouraged to develop a more intimate and personal relationship with God, leading to a more fulfilling and empowered spiritual life.

Main Lessons

A few impactful summary lessons from Soaking in the Spirit:

1. Stillness is a Powerful Gateway to God

Many readers discovered that simply being still in God’s presence offered a depth of intimacy they had never experienced before. In a world that constantly demands movement and noise, this book highlighted how moments of quiet—without the need to perform, speak, or strive—can be the most transformative. Rather than chasing after divine connection through effort, the book invites readers into a sacred stillness where healing, peace, and revelation naturally flow. It’s not about doing more, but about being more—specifically, being present with the One who already sees and knows you.

2. Soaking Builds a Life of Consistent Abiding

A powerful takeaway from the experiences shared is that soaking isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. Those who implemented its practices noticed that developing a habit of lingering in God’s presence reshaped their spiritual routines. The emphasis shifted from quick devotionals to intentional abiding, creating space throughout the day to pause and connect. Whether through worship, silence, or reflection, this practice reinforces the idea that intimacy with God grows in consistency, not in intensity alone. It’s the slow drip of presence, not the sporadic flood, that transforms hearts over time.

3. Peace is Found When Striving Ceases

One common thread echoed by readers was the deep sense of peace that replaced the pressure to get prayer “right.” By learning how to pray without words—both verbally and mentally—many found that their anxious thoughts settled and their spiritual confidence grew. The idea that one could simply rest and receive without needing to produce or perform was not only freeing but healing. The letting go of internal noise created a space where the Holy Spirit could move freely, and this absence of striving made room for supernatural peace to take root.

4. God’s Voice is Clearer in Uncluttered Moments

Numerous testimonies pointed to a deeper ability to discern God’s voice after adopting the soaking approach. Unlike traditional prayer where people often speak more than they listen, soaking taught readers to quiet themselves and tune in. This cultivated a space for divine whispers to be heard—guidance, comfort, conviction, or simply the reassurance of being loved. The book gently opened the understanding that hearing from God doesn’t require special skills; it requires stillness, surrender, and a receptive heart ready to listen.

5. Emotional and Physical Healing Flow from Rest

One of the most cherished benefits shared by readers was the unexpected healing they experienced—both emotionally and physically—while soaking. In a posture of rest, the body and soul aligned with God’s restorative power. Many described moments where emotional burdens lifted or chronic exhaustion eased, not from effort, but from prolonged presence. This book subtly weaves the understanding that healing is not always about loud declarations or dramatic moments but can come through extended, peaceful connection with the divine.

6. Spiritual Practices Thrive with Practical Tools

The book’s value wasn’t just in spiritual theory—it offered practical steps that made the intangible feel accessible. One simple yet profound suggestion was setting a timer throughout the day as a reminder to pause and worship. Even if done in brief moments, this habit helped readers recenter their minds and invite God’s presence into their routines. It showed that spiritual depth doesn't require long hours but does require intentionality. Even amidst busy schedules, you can anchor yourself in the Spirit through small, consistent practices.

7. New Concepts Can Open Old Hearts

Several readers admitted that the idea of “soaking” initially felt strange, even radical—but pushing through that discomfort led to breakthrough. The unfamiliar can sometimes be the door to the divine. For those who approached the concept with open but cautious hearts, the result was an invigorated spiritual life filled with hope and hunger for more. This book reminded its readers that faith isn’t static—it evolves, deepens, and expands when we’re willing to explore paths that challenge our previous assumptions.

8. Community Can Amplify Spiritual Breakthrough

Some readers were so impacted by the book that they considered creating soaking retreats or introducing the practice to their church groups. This illustrates how shared experiences of stillness and presence can ripple outward into collective renewal. The idea that soaking can be practiced not just individually but as a communal pursuit opens up new possibilities for how churches and spiritual groups foster intimacy with God together. It’s a quiet revival that doesn’t need a stage—just willing hearts gathered in stillness.

9. Intimacy with God Transforms Your Inner World

A recurring reflection was how soaking brought people closer to God in a deeply personal way. It wasn't just about spiritual knowledge; it was about spiritual encounter. Those who embraced the practice spoke of their souls feeling cleansed, their hearts lifted, and their minds reset. It brought clarity during hardship and comfort during seasons of weariness. Soaking reminded them that God isn't far away or waiting for perfection—He’s close, accessible, and always ready to pour out love to those who make space for Him.

10. Faith Deepens Through Authentic Encounters

For many, this book became a turning point because it facilitated more than learning—it created opportunity for encounter. Testimonies revealed that what people experienced while soaking strengthened their faith far beyond what intellectual understanding could. Whether it was feeling God’s nearness, sensing peace in the chaos, or being moved by worship in silence, these moments reshaped how they believed and lived. In the end, the greatest lesson is that authentic faith isn’t built on words—it’s built on presence.

Key Takeaways

Key summary takeaways from the book:

• Soaking prayer is a powerful method for deepening intimacy with God.
• Resting in God's presence can lead to spiritual healing and clarity.
• Intentional stillness allows the Holy Spirit to work more effectively within us.
• Developing a consistent practice of soaking can transform one's spiritual journey.
• True spiritual growth often comes from being, not just doing.

Book Strengths

Soaking in the Spirit stands out for its practical guidance and relatable insights into the practice of soaking prayer. Arnott's gentle and encouraging tone makes the concept accessible to readers of all backgrounds, and the inclusion of activation exercises at the end of each chapter provides tangible steps for implementation. The book's emphasis on rest as a pathway to spiritual growth offers a refreshing perspective in a culture often focused on constant activity.

Who This Book Is For

This book is ideal for believers seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with God and those interested in exploring new dimensions of prayer and spiritual practice. It's particularly beneficial for individuals feeling spiritually drained or seeking a more restful approach to connecting with the divine.

Why Should You Read This Book?

Soaking in the Spirit offers a transformative approach to spiritual growth that emphasizes rest and intimacy over effort and striving. By embracing the practice of soaking prayer, readers can experience profound healing, clarity, and a deeper connection with God. Arnott's insights provide a refreshing perspective that can rejuvenate one's spiritual journey and foster a more fulfilling relationship with the divine.

Concluding Thoughts.

In a world that often equates busyness with productivity, Soaking in the Spirit invites readers to slow down and embrace the transformative power of rest. Carol Arnott's guidance offers a pathway to deeper intimacy with God, emphasizing that true spiritual growth often occurs in moments of stillness and surrender.

By incorporating the practice of soaking prayer into daily life, believers can experience renewed clarity, healing, and a more profound connection with the divine. This book serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that sometimes, the most significant breakthroughs come not from doing more, but from simply being in God's presence.

→  Get the book on Amazon or discover more via the author's website or social channels.

* The publisher and editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, lessons, takeaways, or summary notes.

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.