I came across this journaling technique that works with Bible study to help the reader connect and meditate with scripture (big props to Pastor Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii for developing this model, check his article on SOAP here). My sweet sister Chelle does many of her posts here in this format.
The technique is this:
1. Pick a chapter to read. Pray and ask God to speak to you as you read the chapter.
2. After you have read the chapter identify one verse that you felt spoke to you.
3. In your journal record the date and information about the chapter you read.
4. Use the SOAP technique to meditate on the scripture you identified. On your journal page write the letters for SOAP down the left side. Follow the description below to fill out each letter.
S (scripture):
-
Write out the scripture that you identified during your reading.
O (observation):
-
What observations did you make about the scripture you read?
A (application):
-
How can you apply the scripture you read to your everyday life?
P (prayer):
-
This is a spot to journal a prayer to God about the scripture you focused on and anything else you want to lift up to Him.
And that’s it.
SOAP is a really flexible technique that you can make your own. For me it’s been a good technique/tool for helping me connect and meditate on a single nugget from God’s Word.
Grace and Peace,
Tony
Hi. Having been a Christian for 27 years and a preacher for the last 15 this is the first I have come across SOAP. I really like the idea and its simplicity. Thanks for posting this and making it clear. I will be giving this a real chance to make an impact on my daily devotional life. God bless.
Thanks for the comment. I hope SOAP will be a blessing to you. We have ended up using it a lot of ways. We use it for family devotions and also in our small group. It really gives eveyone a chance to process the Word themselves and then share and bless others.
Hi-
CyberChurch is my new church. Thank you for inspiring my new (starting again) journal…
Thanks for sharing-
Tamara
Thanks for stopping by and reading the blog. Glad the SOAP is helpful.
God Bless,
Tony
Tony, I’ve never heard of “SOAP” but I like it. I may have to try it on my blog some time. Thanks for sharing. Peace, Linda
I like the SOAP. We have used it in family devotions and it is very cool how even my kids can use it work with the Scriptures. Thanks for the comment.
Tony
This sounds like a really a great method. Our pastor has been teaching through the disiplines, and recommended journaling as something important in a believer’s life. This is the first technique I’ve seen published, so we’ll give it a try. Thanks
On November 10, 2008, I made a commitment to God to go 1 year without missing a day doing a devotional using the S O.A P as a guide line. This November 10, 2011 will be 3 years straight. I cannot begin to tell you the difference that this simple exercise has made in my life. My time with God in the morning means more to me then anything on earth. I am sharing this with the Friday night bible study group and they love it. Our pastor and his wife enjoy the S O A P and it shows in their walk with God.
Steven,
Your testimony is very encouraging. Thanks for the comment.