Do you want to deepen your understanding of the Bible, strengthen your faith, and foster a closer relationship with God? If yes, then S.O.A.P. Bible study is a powerful and practical method that can help you achieve these goals. S.O.A.P. stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer, and it involves reading a Bible passage, reflecting on its meaning, applying its teachings to your life, and praying for guidance and wisdom. In this article, we will explore how S.O.A.P. Bible study works, its benefits, and some ideas and journal prompts to get you started.
What is S.O.A.P. Bible Study?
S.O.A.P. Bible study is a simple yet effective method for engaging with the Word of God. It involves four steps:
A. Scripture
The first step is to choose a Bible passage to read and study. It can be a verse, a chapter, or a whole book of the Bible, depending on your preference and availability. You can choose a passage randomly, follow a reading plan, or focus on a specific topic or theme.
B. Observation
The second step is to observe and reflect on what the passage says and means. You can ask yourself questions like:
- What is the main idea of the passage?
- Who are the characters or people involved?
- What are the key words or phrases?
- What does the passage teach about God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?
- What does the passage teach about humanity, sin, or salvation?
- What are the cultural, historical, or literary contexts of the passage?
You can also use other tools or resources to help you understand the passage, such as a study Bible, a commentary, a concordance, or a dictionary.
C. Application
The third step is to apply the teachings of the passage to your life. You can ask yourself questions like:
- How does the passage relate to my current situation or challenge?
- What are the implications or consequences of the passage for my behavior or attitude?
- What changes do I need to make in my thinking, feeling, or acting based on the passage?
- What are the opportunities or challenges for me to live out the passage in my relationships, work, or ministry?
You can also write down your insights or ideas in a journal, a note-taking app, or a paper.
D. Prayer
The fourth step is to pray for guidance and wisdom based on the passage and your application. You can ask God to:
- Help you understand and apply the passage better
- Give you strength and courage to follow His will
- Show you His love and grace in your life and others'
- Provide for your needs and bless your endeavors
- Thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness
You can also use other prayer techniques or models, such as ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication), P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repentance, Asking, Yielding), or the Lord's Prayer.
Why Use S.O.A.P. Bible Study?
S.O.A.P. Bible study has several benefits for Christians who want to grow in their faith and knowledge of God's Word. Here are some of them:
- S.O.A.P. Bible study is a systematic and holistic approach that covers different aspects of Bible study: reading, reflection, application, and prayer. It helps you not only to know the Bible but also to live it out in your daily life.
- S.O.A.P. Bible study is a flexible and adaptable method that can be used by anyone, regardless of their experience, background, or denomination. You can customize the S.O.A.P. Bible study is a flexible and adaptable method that can be used by anyone, regardless of their experience, background, or denomination. You can customize the process based on your preferences, goals, and resources. For example, you can choose a passage that speaks to your current need, challenge, or interest. You can use different tools or resources to enhance your understanding and application, such as a study group, a mentor, or an online platform. You can also use S.O.A.P. Bible study to connect with other believers, share your insights and struggles, and grow together in Christ.
- S.O.A.P. Bible study is a transformative and empowering practice that can deepen your relationship with God and others. As you read, reflect, apply, and pray, you can experience the presence and power of God in your life. You can also develop your spiritual gifts and virtues, such as faith, hope, love, patience, and humility. You can become more aware of God's purpose and plan for your life, and more willing to follow His lead and serve His kingdom.
How to Do S.O.A.P. Bible Study?
Now that you know what S.O.A.P. Bible study is and why it is beneficial, let's explore some ideas and journal prompts to help you get started.
A. Choose a Passage
The first step is to choose a passage to read and study. Here are some suggestions:
- Start with a familiar or favorite passage, such as John 3:16, Psalm 23, or Romans 8:28.
- Choose a passage based on a topic or theme that you want to learn more about, such as forgiveness, prayer, or missions.
- Follow a reading plan that covers the whole Bible or a specific book or genre, such as the One Year Bible, the Bible Project, or the YouVersion app.
- Use a devotional or study guide that provides insights, questions, and applications for a specific passage or book, such as "Jesus Calling," "Experiencing God," or "The Bible Project."
B. Write Observations
The second step is to write down your observations and reflections on the passage. Here are some prompts:
- What is the main idea or message of the passage?
- Who are the characters or people involved, and what are their roles or relationships?
- What are the key words or phrases that stand out to you, and why?
- What are the cultural, historical, or literary contexts that help you understand the passage?
- What are the theological or practical implications of the passage for your life and faith?
- What are the questions, doubts, or challenges that the passage raises for you, and how can you seek answers or guidance?
C. Apply the Teachings
The third step is to apply the teachings of the passage to your life. Here are some prompts:
- How does the passage relate to your current situation or challenge, and what can you learn or do from it?
- What are the opportunities or challenges for you to live out the passage in your relationships, work, or ministry?
- What changes do you need to make in your thinking, feeling, or acting based on the passage, and how can you implement them?
- What are the obstacles or temptations that you need to overcome, and how can you rely on God's help and grace?
- What are the ways that you can share or apply the passage with others, and how can you invite them to join you in S.O.A.P. Bible study?
D. Pray for Guidance
- The fourth step is to pray for guidance and wisdom based on the passage and your application. Here are some prompts:
- Thank God for His Word and His presence in your life.
- Ask Him to help you understand the passage you just studied more deeply.
- Pray for guidance in how to apply the passage to your life and situation.
- Ask God for the strength and wisdom to follow through on what you have learned.
- Finally, take some time to listen for God's voice and guidance as you pray. Be open to His leading and trust that He will show you the way forward.
An Example of S.O.A.P. Bible Study
Let's explore an example of how to use the S.O.A.P. method with Colossians 4:6:
S - Scripture: Begin by reading the passage in Colossians 4:6: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
O - Observation: Take some time to reflect on the passage and think about what it means. You might observe that the verse is encouraging us to be careful with our words, ensuring that they are gracious and well thought out.
A - Application: Consider how this passage applies to your life. Perhaps you could think about a recent conversation you had and ask yourself if your speech was gracious and kind. Think about ways you can apply this verse to your daily interactions with others.
P - Prayer: Pray for guidance and wisdom based on the passage and your application. You might thank God for His Word and His presence in your life, and ask Him to help you be more intentional with your words.
Using the S.O.A.P. method with Colossians 4:6 can help you deepen your understanding of the passage, apply it to your life, and foster a closer relationship with God.
The SOAP Bible study method is a powerful and practical tool for Christians to engage with the Word of God. By taking the time to read, reflect, apply, and pray, you can deepen your understanding of the Bible, strengthen your faith, and foster a closer relationship with God. And the best part? Anyone can use this method, regardless of their experience or knowledge of the Bible. So why not give it a try today and see how it can transform your life?
Please read The Transformative Power of Faith Journaling series to see how Faith Journaling can help you with your spiritual journey.
I have some Scripture Verse Writing Sheets that you can use for your S.O.A.P. Study. Click here.