S.O.A.P. the Scriptures

S.O.A.P

When you have your daily time with God, use SOAP to help you purposefully think through what you’re reading.

It can be helpful to write out your thoughts and prayers in a journal.

*Before you begin, intentionally ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you understand what you’re going to read and to help it drop from your head, to your heart, to your life. 

Scripture

• Write out the Scripture passage.

• What is the context of the passage? Who wrote it? Who was it written to? How does that add color to the verses or help inform it’s intent? 

Observation

• Read through the verse(s) and underline any words that catch your eye

• Jot down the definition of the word(s) or a few thoughts 

• Emphasizing different words forces your mind to see the implications of each key word in a verse

• Read and reread verse giving special emphasis to the underlined words

Application

• What is the specific personal application you are hearing from God the Spirit?

• How should you respond to this application in your relationships and/or situations this week?

• Write out practical goals you can have for the day/week ahead.

Prayer

• Write down a short prayer using T.A.C.O.S.

  • Thanksgiving (“Father, thank you for…”)

  • Adoration (“God, I love you because…”)

  • Confession (“Father, please forgive me for…”)

  • Others (“Father, I pray for [name] that you would…”)

  • Self (“Father, please help me…”)