Can you believe it’s already NOVEMBER!
Mr. FFF is already listenting to Christmas music.
I love him dearly, but he’s crazy.
Anyway, today I wanted to share with you a new way that I have learned to do devotionals called “SOAPS.”
I learned about this when I was researching Bible Studies to attend at my church. A lot of the groups were called “SOAP Groups” and I was so confused. Like, do they shower or something? I had no clue.
Then I went to Bible Study (told you about this a few weeks ago) and I learned it stands for Scripture Observation Application and Prayer.
Basically, you read your typically amount of Bible each day (I usually do about 3 chapters of a book) and then, once done, you pick the verse out of the entire reading the really stuck out to you the most.
Then, take a journal and write S. Beside it write down the scripture that you picked.
Then, under the S, write “O.” This is your observation of the verse. What is happening in the verse? It’s just a recap in your own words of what if going on.
Then, under the O, write A. This is the application. This is where you need to dig DEEP and write the application that this verse has on YOUR life. What does it mean to you? Does it convict you in any way? What is it showing you about your current situation?” etc.
Now, my favorite is P for “Prayer.” Next to your P you have to actually write down a prayer the related to the application of the verse on your life. Literally write “Dear God ….”
It felt REALLY weird to me at first, to be actually writing out a prayer instead of speaking it. But, for some reason, I’ve grown to really LOVE doing this. It makes me feeler closer to God and like I am really focusing on what I am wanting to pray about, as opposed to just spewing out words and moving on.
I’ve been doing my devotionals this way lately, and have really felt that, slowly but surely, I am moving deeper with God as opposed to when I just read my Bible and moved on. Having to actually sit and think about what you read, and how it applies to your life is REALLY awesome.
Anyway, I just wanted to share in case you need a new way to look at The Word as well! 🙂
Happy Sunday!
Kristi says
Thank you so much for this post! I have always wondered exactly how to you study your Bible. This sounds like and excellent way to get started! I’m trying it tomorrow morning!
Thank you! I’m super excited!!!!!!!!
Taylor Kiser says
Woo hoo!!! I hope you love it – my husband just started too! 🙂
Jenny says
I read this post last weekend and have been using the “SOAP” acronym all week. Thanks for a great Bible study tool!
Taylor Kiser says
I am so happy to hear this!!! 🙂 You’re so welcome!
Kaci Cheeseman says
Gah! I keep meaning to tell you that I have been doing this since you posted it. Better late than never, right?
With a background in dietetics and medicine, SOAP notes hit home! I never thought to apply them to my quiet times though. I have really enjoyed using this approach. I was doing something similar as far as journaling a verse each day, but this makes it so that consistent application and prayer are built right in. It also makes me more aware to scan my day for ways to share what I reflected on with others… Thank you for sharing it sister! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
WOO HOO! I am So happy to hear that you’re using this and loving it! Thanks for telling me Kaci!