S.O.A.P.S.
S.O.A.P.S.
In order to get to know God’s Word one has to spend time in God’s Word. There are many different methods to do this, but one effective way we have found is through the method known as SOAPS. Below is a walkthrough for how it works.
Instructional Help
S for Scripture
Open your Bible to today’s reading in the book you’re reading through, or in you Bible reading plan. Take your time reading and ask God to speak to you. When you are finished, look for a verse or two that particularly spoke to you and write it in your journal.
O for Observe
What do you think God is saying to you in this Bible verse, or your reading for the day? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase this Bible verse of reading in your own words and write it down in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read by asking how it can apply to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or correction for a particular area of your life. Write down specifically how you can apply this to your life today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this verse or reading, or it may be a greater insight on what he may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen. Now write down your prayer, or what you hear from God.
S for Share
Who is someone you know who you will see today, or whom you could read out to with a call or text, who could benefit from or be encouraged by what God has taught you today. Write their name(s) and share with them.
Example
S for Scripture
Read Philippians 1
“Philippians 1:12 “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
O for Observe
Paul was thrown in prison for his faith. At first glance this was a tragedy, however, Paul asks that God is using it for the good of His kingdom. Nothing done for Christ is wasted!
A for Application
Even when bad things happen to me, I can be confident that God is using it for my good and to advance His Kingdom. This is easy to say, but hard to believe. Whatever happens bad to me today, I will write it down and note how God might use it for good.
P for Prayer
Father, give me faith to believe you are working all things together for good, even when my circumstances say otherwise. In Jesus name, amen.
S for Share
I will share this with my friend Jon who is struggling through some hard circumstances and feels very distant from God.