S.O.A.P.

S - Scripture

Read a portion of scripture (another name for the Bible) at a scheduled time each day or as often as possible each week. Refer to our Personal Study Tools page for some suggested reading plans.

O - Observation

Take time to observe what is happening in the scripture you are reading. To help with this consider these questions to ask:

1. What is happening?
2. When was it happening?
3. Who is involved?
4. Is it a good thing or bad thing that is happening?
5. What other things do you observe?

You may have other questions that come to you during this exercise. The point here is to be aware of what is happening and put yourself in the situation so that you can get an understanding of what it would mean to anyone who was there to experience the situation.

A - Application

Once you have spent time observing what is happening you now take some time to consider what it means and how it applies to your life. This is the "fruit of genuine Bible study". It is the area where you consider what you will do about what you have read. Reading and studying God's Word should have a life-changing effect.

Below are some questions* to consider when applying scripture to your life. Pick one or two items that are applicable to you at the time of your reading:

1. Is there a promise to claim?
2. Is there an example to follow?
3. Is there a command to obey?
4. Is there a sin to forsake or a warning to heed?
5. Is there an encouragement given?
6. Is there counsel to take?
7. Is there a character trait to be noted?

*For more details on the application questions above see "Search the Scriptures" by O. Jean Gibson.

P - Prayer

This area is also an important one because this is where you speak to God about what you learned and confirm what you heard. It is the area where you verbalize your fears, weaknesses, and your commitment. It is also where you take time to truly from Him. Take the opportunity at this time to ask God to help you understand what you have read and give you the strength and courage to obey Him.