It’s one thing to sit and read scripture, but when you learn to slow down to REALLY read and digest it, suddenly words start popping off the page. You see things that you might not have noticed before. By SOAPing your verses, you are able to dig deeper into scripture and “see” more than if you simply read the verses and then go on about your day. You will be amazed at how much more you get out of your daily verses using this method!
How do you SOAP?
Get out your Bible and notebook and begin:
S – Write out the scripture passage for the day. Each day’s passage is listed on your bookmark. If you find yourself without your bookmark, the passage will be listed on the blog each day as well.
O – Write down a few observations from the passage. What do you see in these verses? Who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? Is there a repetition of words? Is there a word you should look up to understand its meaning?
A – Write down a few applications from the passage. This is when God’s word gets personal. What is God saying to me? Is there something here that applies to my life? Is there an action that I should take?
P – Pray over what you learned from today’s passage. Pray God’s Word back to him. If he has revealed something that needs to be confessed, confess it to him. If he is asking you to make a change, pray through that with him. Some people like to write out this prayer in their notebook. Others prefer to just pray silently or aloud to God. Do whichever method is comfortable for you.
How long does this take?
Some days it is easy to be done in 10 minutes or less. Other days there might be more there to process and you may linger a bit longer. If you have the time and really like to study, you could use extra resources and really dig into the word. The important thing is to keep it manageable for YOU and to keep that daily commitment, even if it is only for 10 minutes.
By the end of our 12 weeks, you will have written out the entire book of Ephesians in your journal. If this seems incredible, it is! But not only will you have written each verse, you will have meditated on each verse as well. Ephesians contains some really important truths for us as individuals, as families, and as a Church. Let’s dig into God’s Word together and see what he has in store for us!
We’re proud of you for taking on this challenge. Please know that we will be praying for you daily that God’s Word will become alive and active in your life and your home!
EXAMPLE
SOAP: John 17:15-17 Date: July 17, 2013
S – Write out the scripture passage for the day:
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
O – Write down a few observations from the passage:
Jesus is praying for his disciples:
Protection from Satan
Sanctification by the truth → Word of God
Sanctify = set apart for sacred use, cleansed and made holy
A – Write down a few applications from the passage:
Interesting footnote from my Bible: “A follower of Christ becomes sanctified through believing and obeying the word of God… But daily application of God’s word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts. Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess, renews our relationship with Christ, and guides us back to the right path.”
God’s word, applied daily, purifies!
P – Pray over what you learned from today’s passage:
Lord, I want this kind of purifying effect in my mind and heart. Purify me with your word. Guide me to your right path. Help me to have the discipline I need to meet you here daily. I’m pledging to you now to make this a priority. You are my lifeline and my strength. Thank you, Lord! AMEN
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